Do we need zinc to think?

Full 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.

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Author information

Author/s: Li, Yang V (YV); Hough, Christopher J (CJ); Sarvey, John M (JM);

Affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Science's STKE : signal transduction knowledge environment (Sci STKE), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-May; vol 2003 (issue 182) : pp pe19

Dates: Created 2003/05/14; Completed 2003/06/06; Revised 2005/11/16;

PMID: 12746548, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals
Brain Chemistry - physiology
Humans
Second Messenger Systems - physiology

Second Messenger Systems - physiology
Synaptic Transmission - physiology
Thinking - physiology
Zinc - physiology

Associated Chemicals: Zinc (7440-66-6)

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