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General Principles of Neuronal Co-transmission: Insights From Multiple Model Systems.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Svensson, Erik 
Apergis-Schoute, John 
Burnstock, Geoffrey 
Nusbaum, Michael P 

Abstract

It is now accepted that neurons contain and release multiple transmitter substances. However, we still have only limited insight into the regulation and functional effects of this co-transmission. Given that there are 200 or more neurotransmitters, the chemical complexity of the nervous system is daunting. This is made more-so by the fact that their interacting effects can generate diverse non-linear and novel consequences. The relatively poor history of pharmacological approaches likely reflects the fact that manipulating a transmitter system will not necessarily mimic its roles within the normal chemical environment of the nervous system (e.g., when it acts in parallel with co-transmitters). In this article, co-transmission is discussed in a range of systems [from invertebrate and lower vertebrate models, up to the mammalian peripheral and central nervous system (CNS)] to highlight approaches used, degree of understanding, and open questions and future directions. Finally, we offer some outlines of what we consider to be the general principles of co-transmission, as well as what we think are the most pressing general aspects that need to be addressed to move forward in our understanding of co-transmission.

Description

Keywords

colocalization, corelease, neuromodulation, neuropeptides, neurotransmitter complexity, Animals, Central Nervous System, Humans, Neuronal Plasticity, Neurons, Neurotransmitter Agents, Synapses, Synaptic Transmission

Journal Title

Front Neural Circuits

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1662-5110
1662-5110

Volume Title

12

Publisher

Frontiers Media SA
Sponsorship
None