CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders) - Volume 17, Issue 4, 2018

Background & Objective: The large conductance, calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channels (BK) are widely distributed channel proteins which exist in virtually every cell type of mammals and function to influence membrane excitability and Ca2+ signaling. BK channels can be activated by the increase of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, a consequence of neuronal excitation, and then terminate the action Read More

Background & Objective: Müller cell is the major type of glial cell in the vertebrate retina. Müller cells express various types of K+ channels, such as inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels, big conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels, delayed rectifier K+ channels (KDR), and transient A-type K+ channels. These K+ channels play important roles in maintaining physiological functions of Müller cells. Under some retinal path Read More

Background & Objective: The lysosome is a membrane-enclosed organelle widely found in every eukaryotic cell. It has been deemed as the stomach of the cells. Recent studies revealed that it also functions as an intracellular calcium store and is a platform for nutrient-dependent signal transduction. Similar with the plasma membrane, the lysosome membrane is furnished with various proteins, including pumps, ion chan Read More

Background & Objective: Increased level of reactive oxygen species is a hallmark of common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. ROS can oxidize macromolecules including DNA, lipids and proteins and cause oxidative damage to the cell. Emerging evidence indicate that potassium channels in the central nervous system are no exceptions to these oxidative modifications. C Read More

Background & Objective: The large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel, extensively distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), is considered as a vital player in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, with evidence implicating derangement of K+ as well as regulating action potential shape and duration. However, unlike other channels implicated in epilepsy whose function in neurons could clearly be labeled “ Read More

Background & Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Children with ADHD have challenges with learning, behavior and psychosocial adjustments, sometimes retained into adulthood. The exact etiology of ADHD is unknown, and the pathophysiology of this disease is complex. Several hypotheses have been raised regarding Read More

Background: Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome often suffer from fragmentary sleep. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of treatment with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide in reducing pain intensity and improving quality of sleep in patients with neuropathic pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: An open, controlled study was conducted on 42 patients awaiting carpal tunnel syndrome surg Read More

Background: Edema represents one of the earliest negative markers of survival and consecutive neurological deficit following stroke. The mixture of cellular and vasogenic edema makes treating this condition complicated, and to date, there is no pathogenically oriented drug treatment for edema, which leaves parenteral administration of a hypertonic solution as the only non-surgical alternative. Objective: New insights into Read More

Background: Major depressive disorder is a psychiatric disorder that affects 4.4% of the population worldwide. Although the majority of antidepressant drugs ameliorate depressive symptoms, there is still a need for safer and more effective antidepressant. Objective: Evaluate the antidepressant-like activity of sesquiterpene compound β-caryophyllene (BCP) for the possible contribution of the monoamine and hippo Read More