Spillover in the spotlight

Curr Biol. 2000 Jun 29;10(13):R475-7. doi: 10.1016/s0960-9822(00)00551-0.

Abstract

Fast neurotransmission in the brain is typically mediated by local actions of transmitters at ionotropic receptors within synaptic contacts. Recent studies now reveal that, in addition to point-to-point signaling, amino-acid transmitters mediate diffuse signaling at extrasynaptic metabotropic receptors.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology
  • Brain / physiology
  • Glutamic Acid / physiology
  • Receptors, GABA / physiology
  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA
  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate
  • Glutamic Acid
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid