Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Shows increased calcium channel density in aged rats, indicating potential neurodegenerative risks.
Voltage-activated calcium (Ca2+) influx is increased in mammalian CA1 hippocampal neurons during aging. However, the molecular basis for this elevation is not known. The partially dissociated hippocampal ("zipper") slice preparation was used to analyze single Ca2+ channel activity in CA1 neurons of adult and aged rats. Total L-type Ca2+ channel activity in patches was found to increase with aging, primarily because of an increase in the density of functional channels. Learning in aged animals was inversely correlated with channel density. This increase in functional Ca2+ channels with aging could underlie the vulnerability of neurons to age-associated neurodegenerative conditions.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Thibault et al. (1996) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: