Cotransmission in the autonomic nervous system

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cellular Signaling
• Autonomic Nervous System Physiology

Background:

• Cotransmission, the release of multiple neurotransmitters from a single neuron, was proposed in 1976.
• Chemical coding has identified specific cotransmitters for various nerve types, including sympathetic, parasympathetic, enteric, and sensory-motor nerves.
• Adenosine 5"-triphosphate (ATP) is a conserved primitive signaling molecule functioning as a cotransmitter across the nervous system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the established roles and significance of cotransmission in the nervous system.
• To highlight the functional implications of cotransmission in local physiological control.
• To discuss the plasticity of cotransmitter composition in different physiological and pathological states.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on cotransmission.
• Analysis of established neurotransmitter profiles for different nerve types.
• Examination of the role of ATP and neuropeptides as cotransmitters and neuromodulators.

Main Results:

• ATP is a ubiquitous cotransmitter in both peripheral and central nervous systems.
• Neuropeptides often function as neuromodulators or trophic factors rather than primary cotransmitters.
• Autonomic cotransmission allows for sophisticated local control, offering greater flexibility than rigid central mechanisms.
• Cotransmitter composition exhibits plasticity, adapting to development, aging, disease, and injury.

Conclusions:

• Cotransmission significantly increases the complexity and sophistication of neural signaling.
• Adenosine 5 -triphosphate (ATP) plays a crucial role as a cotransmitter, particularly in inflammatory and stress conditions.
• Understanding cotransmission provides insights into nuanced physiological regulation and potential therapeutic targets.