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.
Li
Yang V
YV
Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Hough
Christopher J
CJ
Sarvey
John M
JM
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