Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
10:44
Single Cell Multiplex Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction After Patch-clamp
Published on: June 20, 2018
[Purinergic regulatory complex in the brain synapses].
Fusao Kato1, Taiko Imura, Eiji Shigetomi
1Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8461 Japan. fusao@jikei.ac.jp
Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi = Japanese Journal of Psychopharmacology
|July 19, 2007
Summary
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as an extracellular messenger in the central nervous system, modulating synaptic transmission. It triggers glutamate release and suppresses transmitter release via adenosine, forming a purinergic regulatory complex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
Context:
- Synaptic transmission is vital for central nervous system (CNS) function.
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is increasingly recognized for its role as an extracellular messenger at synapses.
- Astrocytes play a key role in releasing ATP into the extracellular space.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the dual role of extracellular ATP and its metabolite adenosine in regulating synaptic transmission.
- To investigate the mechanisms by which ATP and adenosine influence presynaptic neurotransmitter release.
- To define the 'purinergic regulatory complex' governing synaptic signaling.
Summary:
- Extracellular ATP, released by astrocytes, activates presynaptic P2X receptors, triggering glutamate release independently of action potentials.
- ATP is hydrolyzed to adenosine, which then activates presynaptic G protein-coupled receptors, inhibiting voltage-dependent calcium channels and suppressing action potential-driven transmitter release.
- These distinct purinergic signaling pathways operate synergistically in the CNS.
Impact:
- Provides novel insights into the complex regulation of synaptic transmission by purinergic signaling.
- Identifies specific molecular targets (P2X receptors, adenosine receptors) for potential therapeutic interventions in neurological disorders.
- Highlights the synergistic interplay between ATP and adenosine in fine-tuning neuronal communication within the CNS.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
01:32Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)
Postsynaptic potential (PSP) refers to a change in the electrical potential of a neuron when neurotransmitters released by presynaptic neurons bind to postsynaptic receptors. This potential can either be excitatory, leading to depolarization and ultimately action potential generation, or inhibitory, leading to hyperpolarization and suppression of the postsynaptic neuron.
There are two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.
The ionotropic receptor is the membrane protein that has an...
There are two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.
The ionotropic receptor is the membrane protein that has an...
01:37Neural Regulation
Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
02:47The Synapse
Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
01:11IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
Membrane lipids such as phosphatidylinositol (PI) are precursors for several membrane-bound and soluble second messengers. Specific kinases phosphorylate PI and produce phosphorylated inositol phospholipids. One such inositol phospholipids are the phosphatidylinositol-4,5 bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2], present in the inner half of the lipid bilayer. Upon ligand binding, GPCR stimulates Gq proteins to turn on phospholipase Cꞵ. Activated phospholipase Cꞵ cleaves PI(4,5)P2 and produces two-second...