Müller glia as an active compartment modulating nervous activity in the vertebrate retina: neurotransmitters and trophic factors.
Müller cells represent the main type of glia present in the retina interacting with most, if not all neurons in this tissue. Müller cells have been claimed to function as optic fibers in the retina delivering light to photoreceptors with minimal distortion and low loss [Franze et al (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci 104:8287-8292]. Most of the mediators found in the brain are also detected in the retinal tissue, and glia cells are active players in the synthesis, release, signaling and uptake of major mediators of synaptic function. Müller glia trophic factors may regulate many different aspects of neuronal circuitry during synaptogenesis, differentiation, neuroprotection and survival of photoreceptors, Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) and other targets in the retina. Here we review the role of several transmitters and trophic factors that participate in the neuron-glia loop in the retina.
de Melo Reis
Ricardo Augusto
RA
Lab. Neurochemistry, Program in Neurobiology IBCCF, Sala C1-031, CCS, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro , 21949-900, Brazil. ramreis@biof.ufrj.br
Ventura
Ana Lúcia Marques
AL
Schitine
Clarissa Sampaio
CS
de Mello
Maria Christina Fialho
MC
de Mello
Fernando Garcia
FG
D000818:Animals; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D011687:Purines / Q000378:metabolism; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011687:Purines; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D004298:Dopamine