E-Letter responses to:

reports: M. Margarita Behrens, Sameh S. Ali, Diep N. Dao, Jacinta Lucero, Grigoriy Shekhtman, Kevin L. Quick, and Laura L. Dugan Ketamine-Induced Loss of Phenotype of Fast-Spiking Interneurons Is Mediated by NADPH-Oxidase Science 2007; 318: 1645-1647 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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NADPH Oxidase and Ionic Movements

Heikki Savolainen   (24 January 2008)

NADPH Oxidase and Ionic Movements 24 January 2008
Heikki Savolainen, Professor Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Tampere, Finland Respond to this E-Letter: Re: NADPH Oxidase and Ionic Movements	This extremely interesting study shows the role of NADPH oxidase in ketamine toxicity (Reports, "Ketamine-induced loss of phenotype of fast-spiking interneurons is mediated by NADPH-oxidase," 7 December 2007, p. 1645). While the oxidase produces superoxide anion, it consumes one electron per molecule of superoxide produced. The reaction thus depletes the negative charge and polarity of the neuronal membrane. The sequence of events could lead to impaired function of the cell. In neutrophils, the activation of NADPH oxidase leads to an activation of chloride channels, which allows the restitution of the membrane polarity, although it also causes cell swelling (1) by concomitant water influx. It seems, indeed, that the findings in this Report open up new, exciting avenues of study. Heikki Savolainen Department of Occupational Safety and Health., Tampere, Finland. Reference 1. J. Ahluwalia, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 365, 328 (2008).