Biological roles of trace elements in the brain with special focus on Zn and Fe

Many metals like iron (Fe), copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn) fulfil various essential biological functions and are thus vital for all living organisms. For instance, they play important roles in nervous tissue, participating in a wide range of processes such as neurotransmitter synthesis, myelination or syn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revue neurologique 2011-04, Vol.167 (4), p.269-279
Main Authors: Bohic, S, Ghersi-Egea, J-F, Gibon, J, Paoletti, P, Arnaud, J, Hunot, S, Boom, A, Bouron, A
Format: Article
Language:fre
Subjects:
Animals
Brain
Brain - physiology
Brain Chemistry
Brain Chemistry - physiology
Humans
Iron
Iron - metabolism
Iron - physiology
Life Sciences
Nervous System Diseases
Nervous System Diseases - metabolism
Neurobiology
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative Diseases - metabolism
Neurons and Cognition
Synaptic Transmission
Synaptic Transmission - physiology
Trace Elements
Trace Elements - metabolism
Zinc
Zinc - metabolism
Zinc - physiology
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Summary:Many metals like iron (Fe), copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn) fulfil various essential biological functions and are thus vital for all living organisms. For instance, they play important roles in nervous tissue, participating in a wide range of processes such as neurotransmitter synthesis, myelination or synaptic transmission. As in other tissues, brain cells tightly control the concentration of metals but any excess or deficit can lead to deleterious responses and alter cognitive functions. Of note, certain metals such as Zn, Fe or Cu accumulate in specific brain structures over lifespan and several neurodegenerative diseases are associated with a dysregulation of the homeostatic mechanisms controlling the concentration of these cations. This review will address some of the cellular and molecular processes controlling the entry and distribution of selected metals (mainly Zn and Fe) in the brain, as well as their roles in synaptic transmission, in the pathogenesis of some neurologic diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, and their impact on cognitive functions.
ISSN:0035-3787
DOI:10.1016/j.neurol.2010.07.035