The effect of oxysterols on nerve impulses

The quality of nerve impulses depends on several criteria: the metabolic activity and the viability of neurons and myelin synthesizing cells (myelin synthesizing cells are oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, respectively), myelin synthesis and properties, and the expression and functionality of ion channels involved in the propagation of nerve impulses, especially Na+ and K+ channels. These channels are implicated in the different phases of the action potential. External factors, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, can also impair nerve impulses (degradation of myelin fiber, oxidation of ion transporters and loss of their efficiency). There is now evidence that some oxysterols can impact myelin characteristics (structure/composition), as well as neurons and myelin synthesizing cells (myelin production, mitochondrial and peroxisomal functions, axonal integrity (Na+ and K+ channels synthesis and activities)) which are required for the generation and propagation of nerve impulses.294