Tissue-type plasminogen activator: a multifaceted modulator of neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity.
For over a decade, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), a serine protease classically known for its profibrinolytic role in the vasculature, has been implicated in numerous aspects of the synaptic plasticity process. But despite being the most intensively studied protease of the CNS, the mechanisms and molecular mediators behind the action of t-PA on synaptic efficacy remain largely undefined. Rather than examine the role of t-PA in proteolytic remodeling of the synaptic extracellular matrix, this review will focus on the evidence that defines t-PA as a direct modulator of neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity by impacting on glutamatergic and dopaminergic pathways.
Samson
Andre L
AL
Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Level 6 Burnet Building, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, 89 Commercial Road, Prahran 3181, Victoria, Australia.
Medcalf
Robert L
RL
D000818:Animals; D051379:Mice; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000502:physiology*
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator