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Review
. 2012 Nov;37(11):2326-38.
doi: 10.1007/s11064-012-0765-6. Epub 2012 Apr 3.

Neurotransmitters and integration in neuronal-astroglial networks

Alexei Verkhratsky  1 , José Julio Rodríguez, Vladimir Parpura
Affiliations
Review

Neurotransmitters and integration in neuronal-astroglial networks

Alexei Verkhratsky et al. Neurochem Res. 2012 Nov.

Abstract

Two major neural cell types, glia, astrocytes in particular, and neurones can release chemical transmitters that act as soluble signalling compounds for intercellular communication. Exocytosis, a process which depends on an increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels, represents a common denominator for release of neurotransmitters, stored in secretory vesicles, from these neural cells. While neurones rely predominately on the immediate entry of Ca(2+) from the extracellular space to the cytosol in this process, astrocytes support their cytosolic Ca(2+) increases by appropriating this ion from the intracellular endoplasmic reticulum store and extracellular space. Additionally, astrocytes can release neurotransmitters using a variety of non-vesicular pathways which are mediated by an assortment of plasmalemmal channels and transporters. Once a neuronal and/or astrocytic neurotransmitter is released into the extracellular space, it can activate plasma membrane neurotransmitter receptors on neural cells, causing autocrine and/or paracrine signalling. Moreover, chemical transmission is essential not only for homocellular, but also for heterocellular bi-directional communication in the brain. Further detailed understanding of chemical transmission will aid our comprehension of the brain (dys)function in heath and disease.

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