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Role of activity‐dependent mechanisms in the control of dopaminergic neuron survival
Author(s) -
Michel Patrick P.,
AlvarezFischer Daniel,
Guerreiro Serge,
Hild Audrey,
Hartmann Andreas,
Hirsch Etienne C.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04424.x
Subject(s) - dopaminergic , neuroscience , dopamine , electrophysiology , neuron , bursting , parkinson's disease , biology , premovement neuronal activity , medicine , disease
Dopaminergic neurons that constitute the nigrostriatal pathway are characterized by singular electrical properties that allow them to discharge in vivo spontaneously in a spectrum of patterns ranging from pacemaker to random and bursting modes. These electrophysiological features allow dopaminergic neurons to optimize the release of dopamine in their terminal fields. However, there is emerging evidence indicating that electrical activity might also participate in the control of dopaminergic neuron survival, not only during development, but also in the adult brain, thus raising the possibility that alterations in ionic currents could contribute actively to the demise of these neurons in Parkinson disease. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which activity‐dependent mechanisms might modulate dopaminergic cell survival.