Abstract
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT), widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), is involved in a large variety of physiological functions. In several brain regions 5-HT is diffusely released by volume transmission and behaves as a neuromodulator rather than as a "classical" neurotransmitter. In some cases 5-HT is co-localized in the same nerve terminal with other neurotransmitters and reciprocal interactions take place. This review will focus on the modulatory action of 5-HT on the effects of glutamate and γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA), which are the principal neurotransmitters mediating respectively excitatory and inhibitory signals in the CNS. Examples of interaction at preand/ or post-synaptic levels will be illustrated, as well as the receptors involved and their mechanisms of action. Finally, the physiological meaning of neuromodulatory effects of 5-HT will be briefly discussed with respect to pathologies deriving from malfunctioning of serotonin system.
Keywords: Serotonin, neuromodulation, GABA, glutamate, cognition, nociception, motor control
Current Neuropharmacology
Title: Serotonin as a Modulator of Glutamate- and GABA-Mediated Neurotransmission: Implications in Physiological Functions and in Pathology
Volume: 4 Issue: 2
Author(s): L. Ciranna
Affiliation:
Keywords: Serotonin, neuromodulation, GABA, glutamate, cognition, nociception, motor control
Abstract: The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT), widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), is involved in a large variety of physiological functions. In several brain regions 5-HT is diffusely released by volume transmission and behaves as a neuromodulator rather than as a "classical" neurotransmitter. In some cases 5-HT is co-localized in the same nerve terminal with other neurotransmitters and reciprocal interactions take place. This review will focus on the modulatory action of 5-HT on the effects of glutamate and γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA), which are the principal neurotransmitters mediating respectively excitatory and inhibitory signals in the CNS. Examples of interaction at preand/ or post-synaptic levels will be illustrated, as well as the receptors involved and their mechanisms of action. Finally, the physiological meaning of neuromodulatory effects of 5-HT will be briefly discussed with respect to pathologies deriving from malfunctioning of serotonin system.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Ciranna L., Serotonin as a Modulator of Glutamate- and GABA-Mediated Neurotransmission: Implications in Physiological Functions and in Pathology, Current Neuropharmacology 2006; 4 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157015906776359540
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157015906776359540 |
Print ISSN 1570-159X |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6190 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Action Mechanisms of Chinese Herbal Compound at the Molecular Level
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery Transdermal Nutraceuticals Delivery System for CNS Disease
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Ultrasound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Dietary Approaches and Supplements in the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer's Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design Non-canonical Molecular Targets for Novel Analgesics: Intracellular Calcium and HCN Channels
Current Neuropharmacology Cyclooxygenases in the Central Nervous System: Implications for Treatment of Neurological Disorders
Current Pharmaceutical Design Active Metabolites Resulting from Decarboxylation, Reduction and Ester Hydrolysis of Parent Drugs
Current Drug Metabolism Cerebroprotective Functions of HO-2
Current Pharmaceutical Design Lithium in Psychiatry-The Benefits and Risks Associated with the Lithium Salts Treatment in Affective Disorders
Current Psychopharmacology Role of Methylene Blue in Trauma Neuroprotection and Neuropsychiatric Diseases
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Three Decades of P-gp Inhibitors: Skimming Through Several Generations and Scaffolds
Current Medicinal Chemistry Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors as a Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Diseases
Current Medicinal Chemistry Structure-to-function Relationship of Carbohydrates in the Mechanism of Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs)
Current Organic Chemistry Nutraceuticals, Nutritional Therapy, Phytonutrients, and Phytotherapy for Improvement of Human Health: A Perspective on Plant Biotechnology Application
Recent Patents on Biotechnology Synthesis and Studies on Anticonvulsant and Antibacterial Activities of 1- Alkyl-4-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)piperidine Derivatives
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery A Comprehensive Review on the Medicinal Importance; Biological and Therapeutic Efficacy of <i>Lagenaria siceraria</i> (Mol.) (Bottle Gourd) Standley Fruit
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry The Mammalian Tachykinin Ligand-Receptor System: An Emerging Target for Central Neurological Disorders
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Nanomedicines for Brain Targeting: A Patent Review
Recent Patents on Nanomedicine The Neuropharmacological Preclinical Effects of <i>Nigella sativa</i>: A Review
Current Bioactive Compounds From Discovery to Clinical Trials: Treatment Strategies for Central Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury
Current Pharmaceutical Design