“Calpain in Neural Degeneration:   Assassin or Tombstone ?”

At the conclusion of this program, the participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the evidence for pathological increases in intracellular calcium in models of neural trauma,
2. Describe the mechanisms of action of calpains, and identify potential physiological and pathophysiological consequences of activation,
3. Identify key experimental studies demonstrating activation of calpains in brain and spinal cord injury,
4. Discuss the role of calpains in trauma-induced neural cell death and dysfunction, and
5. Evaluate the therapeutic potential of calpain inhibition in brain and spinal cord injury models.