Exogenous nanomolar zinc ion (Zn) as a negative modulator of neuromuscular transmission via presynaptic mechanism in mouse diaphragm.

Zinc (Zn) is the second most abundant trace element after iron, with most of it is stored in skeletal muscles. Although a large part of Zn is tightly bound to metalloproteins, the small portion of free Zn can participate in nerve signaling. Here we examined the effects of Zn at nanomolar concentrations on neuromuscular transmission in the diaphragm, the main respiratory muscle.

Key genes and processes affected by atorvastatin treatment in mouse diaphragm muscle.

Statins are one of the top prescribed medications and are used for preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases. Myalgia, muscle fatigue, weakness, and inflammation are the most common side effects of these drugs collectively named statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). The mechanisms underlying SAMS remain unclear.

25-Hydroxycholesterol as a negative regulator of diaphragm muscle contractions via estrogen receptor and Ca -dependent pathway.

Cholesterol is involved in the regulation of various signaling processes, and oxysterols are essential lipid messengers. The cholesterol derivative 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) is overproduced by muscle macrophages in sarcopenia, myasthenia, and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we examined the effects of 25-HC on Ca signaling and contractions of the mouse diaphragm, the main respiratory muscle.

25-Hydroxycholesterol modulates synaptic vesicle endocytosis at the mouse neuromuscular junction.

Many synaptic vesicles undergo exocytosis in motor nerve terminals during neuromuscular communication. Endocytosis then recovers the synaptic vesicle pool and presynaptic membrane area. The kinetics of endocytosis may shape neuromuscular transmission, determining its long-term reliability.

Protective properties of melanin from lichen Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) HOFFM. In models of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle.

Melanin is a dark pigment from the group of phenolic or indole polymers with inherent biocompatibility and antioxidant capacity. In extremophilic lichen Lobaria pulmonaria, melanin is responsible for protective properties against hostile environments. Herein, the ability of melanin extracted from L.

25-Hydroxycholesterol as a Signaling Molecule of the Nervous System.

Cholesterol is an essential component of plasma membrane and precursor of biological active compounds, including hydroxycholesterols (HCs). HCs regulate cellular homeostasis of cholesterol; they can pass across the membrane and vascular barriers and act distantly as para- and endocrine agents. A small amount of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum of most cells, where it serves as a potent regulator of the synthesis, intracellular transport, and storage of cholesterol.

Immune-related oxysterol modulates neuromuscular transmission via non-genomic liver X receptor-dependent mechanism.

Inflammatory reactions induce changes in the neuromuscular system. The mechanisms underlying this link are unclear. Besides cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), production of an antiviral oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) by immune cells is quickly increased in response to inflammation.

Early differences in membrane properties at the neuromuscular junctions of ALS model mice: Effects of 25-hydroxycholesterol.

Aims: Plasma hyperlipidemia is a protective factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) while cholesterol-lowering drugs aggravate the pathology. We hypothesize that this phenomenon can be linked with membrane lipid alterations in the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) occurring before motor neuron loss.

Methods: Neurotransmitter release in parallel with lipid membrane properties in diaphragm NMJs of SOD1G93A (mSOD) mice at nine weeks of age (pre-onset stage) were assessed.