Potential Links between Cytoskeletal Disturbances and Electroneurophysiological Dysfunctions Induced in the Central Nervous System by Inorganic Nanoparticles

Inorganic nanomaterials have been widely applied in biomedicine. However, several studies have noted that inorganic nanoparticles can enterthe brain and induce cytoskeletal remodeling, as well as electrophysiological alterations, which are related to neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The toxic effects of inorganic nanomaterials on the cytoskeleton and electrophysiology are summarized in this review. The relationships between inorganic NPs-induced cytoskeletal and electrophysiological alterations in the central nervous system remain obscure. We propose several potential relationships, including those involving N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function, ion channels, transient receptor potential channels, and the Rho pathway. (C) 2016 The Author(s) Published by S Karger AG, Basel