Noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) are known to undergo degeneration in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. LC neurons may be under bioenergetic constraints due to spontaneous spiking. Here, Sanchez-Padilla et al. show that calcium entry through L-type channels during spiking of LC neurons creates mitochondrial oxidant and nitrosative stress. The study also demonstrates increased LC vulnerability in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
- Javier Sanchez-Padilla
- Jaime N Guzman
- D James Surmeier