| abstract |
Compositions and methods for the modulation of aberrant inositol trisphosphate concentration in neurons is disclosed. Inositol trisphosphate stimulates an increase in intraneuronal calcium ion concentration which can, if unregulated, lead to acute neurotoxicities following such insults as brain seizures, and brain anoxia/ischemia; and lead to chronic neurotoxicities in such diseases as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Inhibited inositol trisphosphate production results in aberrantly low calcium ion levels leading to neuronal apoptosis. The figure illustrates conversion of phosphitidyl inositol 4,5-biphosphate into diacylglycerol and inositol trisphosphate. |