title: Unconventional neurotransmitters, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection.
abstract: Neurotransmitters are also involved in functions other than conventional signal transfer between nerve cells, such as development, plasticity, neurodegeneration, and neuroprotection. For example, there is a considerable amount of data indicating developmental roles for the glutamatergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, GABA-ergic, and ATP/adenosine systems. In this review, we discuss the existing literature on these 'new' functions of neurotransmitters in relation to some unconventional neurotransmitters, such as the endocannabinoids and nitric oxide. Data indicating both transcriptional and post-transcriptional modulation of endocannabinoid and nitrinergic systems after neural lesions are discussed in relation to the non-conventional roles of these neurotransmitters. Knowledge of the roles of neurotransmitters in brain functions other than information transfer is critical for a more complete understanding of the functional organization of the brain and to provide more opportunities for the development of therapeutical tools aimed at minimizing neuronal death.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leonelli
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Torrão
authors.forename: L R G
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Britto
mesh_terms: D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels; C494484:TRPV1 receptor; D009569:Nitric Oxide