Abstract
A major step in our understanding of brain function is to determine how neural circuits are altered in their function by signaling molecules or neuromodulators. Neuromodulation is the neurochemical process that modifies the computations performed by a neuron or network based on changing the functional needs or behavioral state of the subject. These modulations have the effect of altering the responsivity to synaptic inputs. Early sensory processing areas, such as the main olfactory bulb, provide an accessible window for investigating how neuromodulation regulates the functional states of neural networks and influences how we process sensory information. Olfaction is an attractive model system in this regard because of its relative simplicity and because it links primary olfactory sensory neurons to higher olfactory and associational networks. Likewise, centrifugal fibers from higher order brain centers target neurons in the main olfactory bulb to regulate synaptic processing. The neuromodulatory systems that provide regulatory inputs and play important roles in olfactory sensory processing and behaviors include the endocannabinoid system, the dopaminergic system, the cholinergic system, the noradrenergic system and the serotonergic system. Here, we present a brief survey of neuromodulation of olfactory signals in the main olfactory bulb with an emphasis on the endocannabinoid system.
Highlights
Neuromodulation is a neurochemical process that modifies the computations performed by a neuron or network based on changing functional needs or behavior state of the subject [1]
The olfactory nerve layer is the gateway for the axons of olfactory receptor neurons to the fiber input is relevant for experience-dependent modulation of the main olfactory bulb, reviewed glomerular layer
Neuromodulation involving acetylcholine acting at nicotinic receptors appears to regulate periglomerular cells’ inhibitory circuits that oversee some fine tuning of olfactory sensory perception [6]
Summary
Neuromodulation is a neurochemical process that modifies the computations performed by a neuron or network based on changing functional needs or behavior state of the subject [1]. This process modifies synapses and influences how they respond to incoming signals [1,2]. Some systems outside the olfactory system provide regulatory inputs important to olfactory sensory processing and behaviors, i.e., they provide extrinsic neuromodulation to the olfactory bulb, Int. J. Public Health 2018, 15, 2194 including dopaminergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic systems These extrinsic systems have been the focus of recent work on the regulation of olfactory processing in the main olfactory bulb as discussed below. We present a brief survey of intrinsic and extrinsic neuromodulation in the olfactory bulb by several neurotransmitter systems with a heavy focus on a relatively novel signaling system, the endocannabinoid system
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