Related Experiment Videos
Excitatory amino acids and synaptic transmission: the evidence for a physiological function
1Department of Physiology, University of Bristol.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Physiological techniques have long studied excitatory amino acids as neurotransmitters. Recent advances in receptor subtypes and selective drugs have improved understanding of their roles in the central nervous system (CNS).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurophysiology
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Physiological techniques have been employed for three decades to study excitatory amino acids (EAAs) as neurotransmitters.
- Recent advancements in defining receptor subtypes and the availability of selective agonists/antagonists have accelerated research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess progress in defining the functional roles of EAAs as transmitters.
- To highlight the utility and limitations of current research approaches.
Main Methods:
- Physiological, neurochemical, and histochemical techniques.
- Focus on studies within the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), particularly the spinal cord.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding EAA involvement at synaptic sites.
- Examples from spinal cord studies illustrate the functional roles of EAAs.
Conclusions:
- Current approaches have advanced the definition of EAA roles.
- Limitations in methodologies necessitate further refinement for comprehensive understanding.