Generation of a necrotic signal (consummated or imminent)

 

Neuronal sensors of consummated or imminent necrosis convert (transduce) the threatening event into an electrical signal. Each affected point emits a tiny current which diffuses through the membrane of the neuron and the surrounding tissues. The tiny sparks are put together and when it reaches a specified voltage at the confluence of all these, some voltage sensors (voltage-sensitive channels) generate the so-called action potential, an electric current that runs along the membrane of the vigilant neuron carrying information that says that at the point the neuron controls there is necrosis (violent death of cells) and states or agents capable of causing it.

- Cells are dying! (consummated necrosis). Danger! Do something about it, fast! (imminent necrosis)

Information, electric currents and data on what is happening in a certain time and place, runs through vigilant neurons.

Cells can’t defend themselves. They can’t escape, dodge ... they are fixed. They can’t cry or ask for help either. They just die violently. They get burned, frozen, torn, infarcted (due to lack of oxygen), corroded... The necrotic cell swells, its membrane breaks and molecules are spilled out, molecules that only exist inside conveniently controlled. It is as if there was a gas fugue in a home. There would be gas detectors that would say: ‘Gas, gas, gas, gas! here and now.’

Obviously if there is gas in the air, something has happened. It’s not normal and it’s dangerous. The cause of the fugue must be found.

Here come into play vigilant neurons with their thermal, mechanical and chemical sensors. Neurons sensitive to the state-agent responsible for the escape come out. If it’s the heat, neurons with thermal sensors come out; if it’s the lack of oxygen, acid-sensing neurons; if it’s a stretch or compression, neurons with mechanical sensors.  

The vigilant neuron collects two types of data: consummated necrosis (Yes or No) and presence of the agent and threatening state (temperatures, acids, mechanical energy states...)

- Danger, danger...! High temperature, compression, stretching, acids. Cells have already died ... or: so far no victims... But do something about it soon!

Vigilant neurons of consummated or imminent necrosis do not flinch when danger is only theoretical, possible... Being near a fireplace, a skewer, a jar of sulfuric acid, a poisonous mushroom... it doesn’t activate any sensor of noxiousness. The facts must be consummated.

Vigilant neurons do not generate signals like "you’re next to the fireplace, you can get burned if you get too close" ... The proximity to danger does not affect them. It feels cozy and warm next to the fireplace, 27ºC (80ºF) ... Neurons sensitive to heat danger come out when the temperature reaches 45ºC (113ºF).

Neurons can’t generate data of what type of agent is responsible either. There are no fireplace, hot pot, rose spike or Amanita phalloides sensors. They don’t report dangerous objects, but dangerous energy: thermal, chemical, mechanical ... They inform about where, when and how but, on what, they just report the kind of energy responsible for it.

Dead cells do not release pain signals. The dead don’t talk. They generate information of them being dead, but don’t ask for help. The vigilant neurons don’t have any receptors, pain sensors of necrotic cells.

There are no pain receptors. Yes, I know you already know this, but many textbooks keep describing them.