Do we need zinc to think?
Chelatable Zn(2+), which is found in the synaptic vesicles of certain glutamatergic neurons in several regions of the forebrain, is released during neuronal activity. Zn(2+) exhibits numerous effects on ligand-gated and voltage-dependent ion channels, and released Zn(2+) is therefore likely able to modulate synaptic transmission. The physiologically relevant actions of Zn(2+), however, have remained unclear. Recent research exploiting improved Zn(2+)-sensitive optical probes has suggested some intriguing effects for synaptically released Zn(2+), including heterosynaptic regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function, and a novel role as a trans-synaptic second messenger that may enter postsynaptic neurons to modulate various signal transduction pathways.
Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Yang V
YV
Li
Christopher J
CJ
Hough
John M
JM
Sarvey
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015290:Second Messenger Systems / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology; D013850:Thinking / Q000502:physiology*; D015032:Zinc / Q000502:physiology*
D015032:Zinc