Dynamics of sodium channel Nav 1.5 expression in astrocytes in mouse models of multiple sclerosis

Astrocytes, brain cells, react to injury in multiple sclerosis (MS). While they don't usually have Nav1.5 sodium channels, these appear in MS lesions. The study explores how Nav1.5 expression changes over time in mice with MS-like conditions. The study examined mice with conditions similar to MS, observing astrocytes to see if Nav1.5 expression correlated with disease severity or relapse/remission phases. Results showed Nav1.5 increased in astrocytes with worsening disease. In mice experiencing relapses and remissions, Nav1.5 levels in astrocytes rose during relapses and decreased during remissions. This suggests Nav1.5 plays a role in how astrocytes respond to inflammation in the brain.

• 1
  Nav1.5 is upregulated in astrocytes in situ in a temporal manner that correlates with disease severity in both monophasic and chronic-relapsing EAE.
• 2
  In chronic-relapsing EAE, Nav1.5 expression is upregulated during relapses and subsequently attenuated during periods of remission.
• 3
  Low level of Nav1.5 expression in astrocytes of control animals suggests that Nav1.5 upregulation is part of the biological response of astrocytes to CNS insult.