Abstract
Neurotransmitters are also involved in functions other than conventional signal transfer between nerve cells, such as development, plasticity, neurodegeneration, and neuroprotection. For example, there is a considerable amount of data indicating developmental roles for the glutamatergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, GABA-ergic, and ATP/adenosine systems. In this review, we discuss the existing literature on these 'new' functions of neurotransmitters in relation to some unconventional neurotransmitters, such as the endocannabinoids and nitric oxide. Data indicating both transcriptional and post-transcriptional modulation of endocannabinoid and nitrinergic systems after neural lesions are discussed in relation to the non-conventional roles of these neurotransmitters. Knowledge of the roles of neurotransmitters in brain functions other than information transfer is critical for a more complete understanding of the functional organization of the brain and to provide more opportunities for the development of therapeutical tools aimed at minimizing neuronal death.
Highlights
Endocannabinoids are defined as endogenous ligands of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 [1]
Recent findings have shown that endocannabinoid production is linked to the rise of intracellular calcium elicited by protein Gq/11-coupled receptor activation [6]
These results suggest that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression in visual structures of the chick brain is regulated negatively by the retinal innervation, which could be an indication of the participation of Nitric oxide (NO) in plasticity processes triggered by deafferentation
Summary
Endocannabinoids are defined as endogenous ligands of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 [1]. Several other lipids, all derived from arachidonic acid, have been shown to modulate the cannabinoid receptors, such as 2arachidonoylglycerol ether (noladin ether), O-arachidonoylethanolamine (virodhamina), and N-arachidonoyldopamine [3]. Both anandamide and 2-AG are synthesized on demand under neuronal stimulation. Neurotransmission, neurodegeneration, neuroprotection lipase and degraded by the monoacylglycerol lipases As hydrophobic compounds, they can reach the extracellular fluid, including synaptic terminals, where they can be taken up by neurons through the anandamide membrane transporter (AMT) [1]. The stimulation of NMDA receptors in neuronal cultures from rat cortex yielded a 3-fold rise in 2-AG production, but no change was observed in anandamide levels. It is clear that the molecular mechanisms that underlie the synthesis of anadamide and 2-AG are distinct and are probably dependent upon the other neuromodulators that share the same synaptic terminal
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