5-Hydroxytryptamine, Glutamate, and ATP: Much More Than Neurotransmitters.

Rafael Franco,Jaume Lillo,Gemma Navarro,Rafael Rivas-Santisteban,Jordi Camps,Irene Reyes-Resina

doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.667815

Abstract

5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is derived from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. Although the compound has been studied extensively for its neuronal handling and synaptic actions, serotonin 5-HT receptors can be found extra-synaptically and not only in neurons but in many types of mammalian cells, inside and outside the central nervous system (CNS). In sharp contrast, glutamate (Glu) and ATP are better known as metabolism-related molecules, but they also are neurotransmitters, and their receptors are expressed on almost any type of cell inside and outside the nervous system. Whereas 5-hydroxytryptamine and Glu are key regulators of the immune system, ATP actions are more general. 5-hydroxytryptamine, ATP and Glu act through both G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and ionotropic receptors, i.e., ligand gated ion channels. These are the three examples of neurotransmitters whose actions as holistic regulatory molecules are briefly put into perspective here.

Highlights

Glutamate (Glu) and ATP are better known as metabolism-related molecules, but they are neurotransmitters, and their receptors are expressed on almost any type of cell inside and outside the nervous system
Whereas 5-hydroxytryptamine and Glu are key regulators of the immune system, ATP actions are more general. 5-hydroxytryptamine, ATP and Glu act through both G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs), and ionotropic receptors, i.e., ligand gated ion channels
Neurotransmitters like dopamine or serotonin are more known for their actions in the central nervous system (CNS)

Summary

Introduction

Neurotransmitters like dopamine or serotonin are more known for their actions in the central nervous system (CNS). The compound has been studied extensively for its neuronal handling and synaptic actions, serotonin 5-HT receptors can be found extra-synaptically and in neurons but in many types of mammalian cells, inside and outside the central nervous system (CNS). Glutamate (Glu) and ATP are better known as metabolism-related molecules, but they are neurotransmitters, and their receptors are expressed on almost any type of cell inside and outside the nervous system.

Results

Conclusion