The influence of mitochondrial complex inhibition on neuronal ion channel and neurotransmitter release.

Mitochondrial complex inhibition has been described in the pathophysiology of many neurodegenerative diseases, and the functional changes of neuron induced by mitochondrial complex inhibition and the mechanism are concerned. Neuronal function depends on action potentials and neurotransmitter release. Voltage dependent sodium/potassium ion channels mediate generation of neuron action potentials. And voltage dependent calcium ion channels are directly involved in the process of neurotransmitter release. The functional changes of those ion channels under some pathological conditions can induce neuron dysfunction, even death. Therefore, understanding the influence of mitochondrial complex inhibition on neuronal ion channels and neurotransmitter release is helpful to illuminate the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review will highlight recent progress in this field.