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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
07:55
Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay
Published on: June 2, 2023
Zinc in neurotransmission.
1Center de recherche Université Laval Robert Giffard, Quebec City, QC, Canada. toth.katalin@crulrg.ulaval.ca
Annual Review of Nutrition
|May 10, 2011
Summary
This review explores the role of zinc in the brain, focusing on how this metal modulates neural signals and influences synaptic plasticity. Understanding zinc
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- A subset of glutamatergic synapses in the central nervous system stores zinc within synaptic vesicles, co-localizing it with glutamate.
- The function of endogenous vesicular zinc remains largely unknown, despite known interactions of extracellular zinc with postsynaptic receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological mechanisms of tonic and phasic zinc modulation on excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission.
- To discuss the potential involvement of zinc in synaptic plasticity.
- To highlight the importance of investigating zinc sources in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current knowledge on zinc's role in synaptic function.
- Analysis of physiological and pathological alterations in zinc homeostasis.
Main Results:
- Zinc is present in specific glutamatergic vesicles and influences neural signaling.
- Altered zinc homeostasis is observed in various pathological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Vesicular zinc plays a significant role in modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity.
- Further research into zinc's physiological and pathological roles is crucial.
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