Unconventional neurotransmitters, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection


Autoria(s): LEONELLI, M.; TORRÃO, A.S.; BRITTO, L.R.G.
Contribuinte(s)

UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO

Data(s)

26/03/2012

26/03/2012

2009

Resumo

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.

FAPESP

CNPq

Identificador

Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, v.42, n.1, p.68-75, 2009

0100-879X

http://producao.usp.br/handle/BDPI/11764

10.1590/S0100-879X2009000100011

http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100-879X2009000100011

http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjmbr/v42n1/7507.pdf

Idioma(s)

eng

Publicador

Associação Brasileira de Divulgação Científica

Relação

Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research

Direitos

openAccess

Copyright Associação Brasileira de Divulgação Científica

Palavras-Chave #Endocannabinoids #Cannabinoid receptors #Vanilloid receptors #Nitric oxide
Tipo

article

review article

publishedVersion