Neurotransmitter corelease: mechanism and physiological role

Annu Rev Physiol. 2012:74:225-43. doi: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-020911-153315. Epub 2011 Oct 31.

Abstract

Neurotransmitter identity is a defining feature of all neurons because it constrains the type of information they convey, but many neurons release multiple transmitters. Although the physiological role for corelease has remained poorly understood, the vesicular uptake of one transmitter can regulate filling with the other by influencing expression of the H(+) electrochemical driving force. In addition, the sorting of vesicular neurotransmitter transporters and other synaptic vesicle proteins into different vesicle pools suggests the potential for distinct modes of release. Corelease thus serves multiple roles in synaptic transmission.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Anions / metabolism
  • Biogenic Monoamines / physiology
  • Cations / metabolism
  • Chlorides / metabolism
  • Chlorides / physiology
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Glutamic Acid / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology*
  • Protons
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • Synaptic Vesicles / metabolism
  • Synaptic Vesicles / physiology
  • Vesicular Neurotransmitter Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • Anions
  • Biogenic Monoamines
  • Cations
  • Chlorides
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Protons
  • Vesicular Neurotransmitter Transport Proteins
  • Glutamic Acid
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Acetylcholine