Iron accumulation Sample Clauses

Iron accumulation. SNpc neurons are known to accumulate larger amounts of iron than other cells in the surrounding tissue (Xxxxxx et al. 1987, Xxxxx et al. 1988, Xxxxxx et al. 1989). In these neurons, iron accumulates and is sequestered into neuromelanin, a highly pigmented material which gives the SNpc a characteristically dark structure when viewed histologically (figure 1.3) (Gerlach et al. 2003). Under normal circumstances, iron accumulation and binding to neuromelanin is cytoprotective, preventing the release of free iron which can act as a catalyst for the production of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (Xxxxx et al. 2008, Xxxxxxxxx & Xxxxxx 2012). However, in the presence of increased oxidative stress, for example caused by excessive mitochondrial ROS-generation, the binding of iron to neuromelanin is weakened, facilitating its release and enhancing iron-mediated ROS production and damage (Xxxxx et al. 2008).