Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, HyperKPP, is an inherited progressive disorder of the muscles caused by mutations in the voltage gated sodium channel (NaV1.4). The objectives of this thesis were to develop a technique for measurement symptoms in vivo using electromyography (EMG) and to determine the mechanism by which Ca2+ alleviates HyperKPP symptoms, since this is unknown. Increasing extracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]e) from 1.3 to 4 mM did not result in any increases in45Ca2+ influx suggesting no increase in intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) acting on an intracellular signaling pathway or on an ion channel such as the Ca2+sensitive K+ channels. HyperKPP muscles have larger TTX-sensitive22Na+ influx than wild type muscles because of the defective NaV1.4 channels. When [Ca2+] was increased from 1.3 to 4 mM, the abnormal 22Na+ influx was completely abolished. Thus, one mechanism by which Ca2+alleviates HyperKPP symptoms is by reducing the abnormal Na+ influx caused by the mutation in the NaV1.4 channel.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OOU-OLD./23487 |
| Date | 02 November 2012 |
| Creators | DeJong, Danica |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thèse / Thesis |
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