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Related Concept Videos

Synaptic Signaling01:09

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
The Synapse02:47

The 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.
Neuronal Communication01:28

Neuronal Communication

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-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...
Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Imaging of Intracellular ATP in Organotypic Tissue Slices of the Mouse Brain using the FRET-based Sensor ATeam1.03YEMK
11:20

Imaging of Intracellular ATP in Organotypic Tissue Slices of the Mouse Brain using the FRET-based Sensor ATeam1.03YEMK

Published on: December 19, 2019

ATP in neuron-glia bidirectional signalling.

Claudia Verderio1, Michela Matteoli

  • 1CNR Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Medical Pharmacology, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Vanvitelli, 32 - 20129 Milan, Italy. c.verderio@in.cnr.it

Brain Research Reviews
|May 11, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is crucial for intercellular signaling in the brain, acting as a neurotransmitter. This review highlights ATP

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Neuroimmunology

Background:

  • Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays a vital role in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • The purinergic system, mediated by ATP, is a key mechanism for intercellular communication.
  • ATP acts as a neurotransmitter or co-transmitter, influencing neuronal and glial activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent data on the role of ATP in bidirectional signaling.
  • To explore ATP's function in communication between neurons and glial cells.
  • To examine ATP's involvement in both central and peripheral nervous systems.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific data.
  • Focus on studies investigating purinergic signaling.

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Visualizing Shifts on Neuron-Glia Circuit with the Calcium Imaging Technique
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Visualizing Shifts on Neuron-Glia Circuit with the Calcium Imaging Technique

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Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System
09:34

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Published on: October 14, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Imaging of Intracellular ATP in Organotypic Tissue Slices of the Mouse Brain using the FRET-based Sensor ATeam1.03YEMK
11:20

Imaging of Intracellular ATP in Organotypic Tissue Slices of the Mouse Brain using the FRET-based Sensor ATeam1.03YEMK

Published on: December 19, 2019

Visualizing Shifts on Neuron-Glia Circuit with the Calcium Imaging Technique
11:41

Visualizing Shifts on Neuron-Glia Circuit with the Calcium Imaging Technique

Published on: April 8, 2022

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System
09:34

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Published on: October 14, 2012

  • Analysis of ATP's role in neuron-glia interactions.

    • Main Results:

    • ATP is stored and released by neurons and glia.
    • Bidirectional signaling pathways involving ATP have been identified.
    • ATP influences communication across diverse neuronal and glial populations.

    Conclusions:

    • ATP is a critical mediator of intercellular communication in the nervous system.
    • The purinergic system, particularly ATP signaling, is fundamental to neuron-glia interactions.
    • Understanding ATP's role is essential for comprehending nervous system function.