Potassium Channels and Calcium Release

Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Clinical Efficacy of the Chinese Nootropic Agent Huperzine A

“…Thus, it is likely that Aβ itself may not be the primary determinant of whether an individual will have AD or not. Additionally, other disease-modifying genes may play a role in determining an individual's susceptibility to Aβ toxicity. , Despite the still questionable role of Aβ in the disease process, much research is devoted to identifying inhibitors of the proteases involved in βAPP processing, so as to minimize Aβ production . For example, activation of the intracellular kinase, protein kinase C (PKC), has been shown to increase the production of APPα (the nonamyloidogenic product derived from cleavage of βAPP by α-secretase) while diminishing Aβ production.…”

“…18,19 Despite the still questionable role of Aβ in the disease process, much research is devoted to identifying inhibitors of the proteases involved in βAPP processing, so as to minimize Aβ production. 20 For example, activation of the intracellular kinase, protein kinase C (PKC), has been shown to increase the production of APPR (the nonamyloidogenic product derived from cleavage of βAPP by R-secretase) while diminishing Aβ production. In this respect, it is also of interest to note that alterations of potassium channel function have been identified in AD fibroblasts, and that a PKC activator based upon the indolactam V structure restores normal K + channel function in AD fibroblasts and enhances production of the soluble form of the amyloid protein.…”