Author/Editor		Verkhratsky, Alexei; Rodríguez, José J.; Parpura, Vladimir
Title		Neurotransmitters and integration in neuronal-astroglial networks
Type		članek
Vol. and No.		Letnik 37, št. 11
Publication year		2012
Volume		str. 2326-2338
ISSN		0364-3190 - Neurochemical research
Language		eng
Abstract		Two major neural cell types, glia, astrocytes in particular, and neurones can release chemical transmitters that act as soluble signalling compounds for intercellular communication. Exocytosis, a process which depends on an increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels, represents a common denominator for release of neurotransmitters, stored in secretory vesicles, from these neural cells. While neurones rely predominately on the immediate entry of Ca(2+) from the extracellular space to the cytosol in this process, astrocytes support their cytosolic Ca(2+) increases by appropriating this ion from the intracellular endoplasmic reticulum store and extracellular space. Additionally, astrocytes can release neurotransmitters using a variety of non-vesicular pathways which are mediated by an assortment of plasmalemmal channels and transporters. Once a neuronal and/or astrocytic neurotransmitter is released into the extracellular space, it can activate plasma membrane neurotransmitter receptors on neural cells, causing autocrine and/or paracrine signalling. Moreover, chemical transmission is essential not only for homocellular, but also for heterocellular bi-directional communication in the brain. Further detailed understanding of chemical transmission will aid our comprehension of the brain (dys)function in heath and disease.
Keywords		astrocytes neurotransmitter calcium astrociti nevrotransmiter kalcij