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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Use of Synaptic Zinc Histochemistry to Reveal Different Regions and Laminae in the Developing and Adult Brain

Use of Synaptic Zinc Histochemistry to Reveal Different Regions and Laminae in the Developing and Adult Brain

Published on: October 29, 2017

Zinc and cortical plasticity.

Amy S Nakashima¹, Richard H Dyck

¹Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Brain Research Reviews

|November 26, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Zinc, an essential divalent cation, significantly impacts neurotransmission and neuronal function in the mammalian brain. This review explores zinc

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Area of Science:

Neurobiology
Neurochemistry
Cellular Neuroscience

Background:

Zinc is an essential divalent cation with vital roles in mammalian physiology.
In the mammalian telencephalon, zinc influences neurotransmission by affecting receptor function and second messenger systems.
Cortical synaptic function regulation is a key area where zinc's role is investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the neurobiological characteristics of zinc, including its distribution and homeostasis.
To examine the effects of zinc on neuronal functioning.
To present evidence supporting zinc's role in cortical plasticity.

Main Methods:

Literature review synthesizing existing research.
Analysis of neurobiological, electrophysiological, behavioral, and anatomical data.
Discussion of zinc's distribution, homeostasis, and effects on neurons.

Main Results:

Zinc distribution and homeostasis mechanisms are complex and crucial for its function.
Zinc significantly modulates neuronal function through various pathways.
Electrophysiological, behavioral, and anatomical evidence suggests zinc involvement in cortical plasticity.

Conclusions:

Zinc plays a fundamental role in regulating cortical synaptic function.
The evidence strongly supports a role for zinc in the mechanisms of cortical plasticity.
Further research into zinc's neurobiological functions is warranted.