The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge, UK.
Prion. 2013 Jan-Feb;7(1):2-13. doi: 10.4161/pri.21767. Epub 2012 Aug 16.
Neurons have highly developed Ca(2+) signaling systems responsible for regulating a large number of neural functions such as the control of brain rhythms, information processing and the changes in synaptic plasticity that underpin learning and memory. The tonic excitatory drive, which is activated by the ascending arousal system, is particularly important for processes such as sensory perception, cognition and consciousness. The Ca(2+) signaling pathway is a key component of this arousal system that regulates the neuronal excitability responsible for controlling the neural brain rhythms required for information processing and cognition. Dysregulation of the Ca(2+) signaling pathway responsible for many of these neuronal processes has been implicated in the development of some of the major neural diseases in man such as Alzheimer disease, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Various treatments, which are known to act by reducing the activity of Ca(2+) signaling, have proved successful in alleviating the symptoms of some of these neural diseases.
神经元具有高度发达的 Ca(2+)信号系统，负责调节大量的神经功能，如大脑节律的控制、信息处理以及支持学习和记忆的突触可塑性变化。由上行唤醒系统激活的持续兴奋性驱动对于感觉感知、认知和意识等过程尤为重要。Ca(2+)信号通路是该唤醒系统的关键组成部分，调节神经元兴奋性，负责控制信息处理和认知所需的神经脑节律。负责许多这些神经元过程的 Ca(2+)信号通路的失调与人类一些主要神经疾病的发展有关，如阿尔茨海默病、双相情感障碍和精神分裂症。各种被认为通过降低 Ca(2+)信号活性起作用的治疗方法已被证明可成功缓解这些神经疾病的一些症状。
