Neuronal Cell Death: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Neuronal cell death is the irreversible process of cell death in which neurons fail to maintain their physiological activities and eventually die. It is a major contributor to many neurological diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Neuronal cell death can come about as a result of various factors, such as genetic mutations, environmental toxins, and oxidative stress.
Definition
Neuronal cell death is the irreversible process of cell death in which neurons lose their ability to maintain their physiological activities and eventually die. It is a major contributor to many neurological diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Neuronal cell death is also referred to as “neurodegeneration” or “neurodegenerative diseases,” and is characterized by the progressive destruction of nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord.
History
Neuronal cell death has been well documented in the literature for over a century. In the late 1800s, scientists observed that some brain diseases led to the degradation of neurons and the gradual death of the cells. In the early 1900s, further research began to uncover the mechanisms of neuronal cell death and its role in neurological diseases. In the 1970s, researchers began to study the role of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in neuronal cell death. In the 1980s, scientists began to explore the role of oxidative stress and environmental toxins in neuronal cell death.
Characteristics
Neuronal cell death is characterized by a progressive deterioration of neurons in the brain or spinal cord. This can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, impaired motor skills, and difficulty speaking or understanding language. Neuronal cell death can also lead to a decrease in the production of neurotransmitters, which can further contribute to a number of neurological symptoms.
Neuronal cell death is typically caused by a combination of genetic mutations, environmental toxins, and oxidative stress. Genetic mutations can lead to changes in the structure or function of neurons, while environmental toxins can damage the cell membrane and disrupt the neuron’s ability to function. Oxidative stress can cause damage to the cell membrane and lead to the death of the neuron.
Conclusion
Neuronal cell death is an irreversible process of cell death in which neurons fail to maintain their physiological activities and eventually die. It is a major contributor to many neurological diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Neuronal cell death is typically caused by a combination of genetic mutations, environmental toxins, and oxidative stress, and is characterized by a progressive deterioration of neurons in the brain or spinal cord.
References
Biskup, S., & Grunewald, A. (2018). The Role of Apoptosis in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 11, 1-17.
Karki, S., & Poudel, P. (2015). Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Current Neuropharmacology, 13(8), 983-994.
Weaver, C. L., & Fuller, P. M. (2012). Environmental Toxins and Neurodegenerative Disease. Neurotherapeutics, 9(2), 289-301.