Daniel J. Calvo. INGEBI CONICET-UBA.

Redox status plays an important role in normal and pathological cell
functions. In neurons and glial cells, redox mechanisms besides their
participation in metabolic pathways may regulate signaling processes that
shape membrane excitability and modulate synaptic transmission. Redox
modulation can occurs through a direct effect on a target (eg: by
controlling the activity of neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels and
transporters) or acting as intermediates (chemical messengers).
Excitatory neurotransmission is subject to redox modulation. Diverse
studies reported the actions of diverse endogenous and pharmacological
redox agents, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species on NMDA receptors, the
control of the intrisic antioxidant neuronal status by synaptic NMDA
receptor activity, etc. Meanwhile, the role that these mechanisms might
play on the regulation of inhibitory neurotransmission (mediated by GABA
or glycine) is not so well understood.
We are currently analyzing the modulation of ionotropic GABA receptors
(GABA activated chloride channels) by redox agents and their molecular
mechanisms of action.