title: Minireview: pH and synaptic transmission.
abstract: As a general rule a rise in pH increases neuronal activity, whereas it is dampened by a fall of pH. Neuronal activity per se also challenges pH homeostasis by the increase of metabolic acid equivalents. Moreover, the negative membrane potential of neurons promotes the intracellular accumulation of protons. Synaptic key players such as glutamate receptors or voltage-gated calcium channels show strong pH dependence and effects of pH gradients on synaptic processes are well known. However, the processes and mechanisms that allow controlling the pH in synaptic structures and how these mechanisms contribute to normal synaptic function are only beginning to be resolved.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Kollegiengasse 10, D-07743 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sinning
authors.forename: Christian A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hübner
mesh_terms: D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D000818:Animals; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000378:metabolism; D002256:Carbonic Anhydrases / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
chemical_list: D001639:Bicarbonates; D002256:Carbonic Anhydrases