- The nervous system contains a number of distinct cells, each of which synthesizes its own individual proteins.
- The specialized functions of the nervous system mean that these proteins are effectively compartmentalized in different loci.
- In order to facilitate communication within the brain there are two specialized methods of moving cells, organelles and proteins, i.e. the cerebrospinal fluid and axonal transport.
- The blood-brain barrier is diverse in anatomic origin and is not absolute, but it is relative (specifically based on molecular size).
- The synthesis of antibodies within the CSF, but not in parallel serum is unequivocal evidence for the brain as the source of antigenic stimulation.
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- G-proteins are widely used throughout the body as 'coupling' agents between the first extracellular messenger and the second intracellular messenger. Discuss some of the different roles for which the G-protein has been adapted amongst various cell types.
- Mitochondria play an important role in providing for the metabolic requirements of electrical activity at the notes of Ranvier along the considerable length of the axon. Discuss the role of the two molecular motors in recycling the mitochondria required to support his function.
- Chloride is an important anion which forms part of the complex movements with other cations such as sodium and potassium during depolarization. Discuss how congenital abnormalities in this anion transported can give rise to abnormal activities dependent upon action potentials.
- Discuss how the brain can produce a 'gradient' for different proteins along the rostro-caudal axis.
- Describe the reactions in vision which illustrate how light is converted into changes in ion flux.
- Give an example of molecular mimicry.
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| Cohen BA. Clinical applications of new cerebrospinal fluid analytic techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infections. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2001;1:518-525.
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Streilein JW, Ohta K, Mo JS, Taylor AW. Ocular immune privilege and the impact of intraocular inflammation. DNA Cell Biol 2002;21:453-459.
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| Brown A. Axonal transport of membranous and nonmembranous cargoes: a unified perspective. J Cell Biol 2003;160:817-821.
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| Bashir ZI. On long-term depression induced by activation of G-protein coupled receptors. Neurosci Res 2003;45:363-367.
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| Kleopa KA, Barchi RL. Genetic disorders of neuromuscular ion channels. Muscle Nerve 2002;26:299-325.
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