Gadolinium triggers unfolded protein responses (UPRs) in primary cultured rat cortical astrocytes via promotion of an influx of extracellular Ca2+

Gadolinium (Gd) and its complexes are utilized widely in industrial and clinical diagnoses. As a rare earth metal ion, free gadolinium (Gd3+) in the human body poses neurotoxic risks during its in vivo release and retention. In the central nervous system, astrocytes play a pivotal role in processing toxic metal ions. The present study evaluates the effects of Gd on cellular calcium homeostasis, a common mechanism that causes cell death, and on...