The Role of Extracellular Adenosine in Chemical Neurotransmission in the Hippocampus and Basal Ganglia: Pharmacological and Clinical Aspects
2011
The Role of Extracellular Adenosine in Neurotransmission
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Sperlágh Beáta, Vizi E. Sylvester
Primary Institution: Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
Hypothesis
Adenosine plays a crucial role in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.
Conclusion
Adenosine acts as a neuromodulator that can inhibit or facilitate neurotransmitter release, depending on the receptor subtype activated.
Supporting Evidence
- Adenosine is derived from ATP breakdown and released during various physiological and pathological stimuli.
- Adenosine receptors modulate the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate and acetylcholine.
- Activation of A1 receptors inhibits neurotransmitter release, while A2A receptors facilitate it.
- Extracellular adenosine concentrations can increase significantly during ischemia.
Takeaway
Adenosine is like a helper in the brain that can either calm things down or help them work better, depending on the situation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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