Albumen Triggers Cascade Leading to Neuron Death (IMAGE)
Caption
The blood-brain barrier lining the capillaries often breaks after a severe brain injury, leaking blood into the brain. Albumin (Alb) in the blood serum binds to the TGF-beta receptor on astrocytes, often called glial cells, triggering a host of changes. One of these prevents astrocytes from mopping up the two neurotransmitters, glutamate (Glu) and potassium ions (K). As a result, these neurotransmitters flood the synapses between nerve cells, where the axon of one neuron touches the dendrite of another neuron, causing a constant excitation that can destroy the nerve cell. These changes take place over a period of days, providing a large window for delivery of drugs to block TGF-beta and prevent such changes.
Credit
Dr. Dominik Zumsteg/Zurich University Hospital
Usage Restrictions
None
License
Licensed content