Do We Need Zinc to Think?
Abstract
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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- May 13, 2003
- Source ID
- 10.1126/stke.2003.182.pe19
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Hough
- John M. Sarvey
- Yang V. Li
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences