Authors: Yan Fu, Wenjing Sun, Yunzhou Shi, Riyi Shi, Ji-Xin Cheng
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006705
Abstract Summary
Researchers discovered that excess glutamate damages myelin at paranodes—critical junctions in nerve fibers—through calcium overload and calpain enzyme activation. Using advanced imaging, they showed glutamate causes myelin splitting and retraction, exposing potassium channels and impairing nerve signal conduction. Blocking these channels restored function, suggesting new therapeutic targets for white matter injuries.
Why Brain? 🧠
Reveals glutamate causes paranodal myelin damage in white matter via calcium overload, leading to conduction deficits. Potassium channel blockers restore function, suggesting new treatment targets.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
