Focal increases of axoplasmic Ca 2+, aggregation of sodium-calcium exchanger, N-type Ca 2+ channel, and actin define the sites of spheroids in axons undergoing oxidative stress

Anna G. Barsukova, Michael Forte, Dennis Bourdette

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Axonal spheroids occur as part of the pathology of a variety of neurologic diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger formation of spheroids, axonal severing, and Ca 2+ overload. The mechanisms by which ROS lead to the spheroid formation at specific axonal sites remain elusive. Here, using adult mouse primary neurons, we investigate the role of Ca 2+, its regulating systems, and cytoskeletal changes in formation of axonal spheroids triggered by ROS. The results reveal that dramatically higher axoplasmic Ca 2+ levels occur at the sites of axonal spheroids than in the rest of the axon. High focal axoplasmic Ca 2 + levels correlate with focal aggregation of the reverse Na +/Ca 2+ exchanger 1, voltage-gated N-type Ca 2+ channel a1B subunit, and actin at the sites of spheroids in individual axons. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of a spheroid formation at specific sites along axons undergoing oxidative stress and a basis for new neuroprotective strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)12028-12037
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume32
Issue number35
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 29 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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