Retrograde signaling in the regulation of synaptic transmission: focus on endocannabinoids.

Full Abstract

This review covers recent developments in the cellular neurophysiology of retrograde signaling in the mammalian central nervous system. Normally at a chemical synapse a neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic element and diffuses to the postsynaptic element, where it binds to and activates receptors. In retrograde signaling a diffusible messenger is liberated from the postsynaptic element, and travels "backwards" across the synaptic cleft, where it activates receptors on the presynaptic cell. Receptors for retrograde messengers are usually located on or near the presynaptic nerve terminals, and their activation causes an alteration in synaptic transmitter release. Although often considered in the context of long-term synaptic plasticity, retrograde messengers have numerous roles on the short-term regulation of synaptic transmission. The focus of this review will be on a group of molecules from different chemical classes that appear to act as retrograde messengers. The evidence supporting their candidacy as retrograde messengers is considered and evaluated. Endocannabinoids have recently emerged as one of the most thoroughly investigated, and widely accepted, classes of retrograde messenger in the brain. The study of the endocannabinoids can therefore serve as a model for the investigation of other putative messengers, and most attention is devoted to a discussion of systems that use these new messenger molecules.

Author information

Author/s: Alger, Bradley E (BE);

Affiliation: Department of Physiology and Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. balger(-atsign-)umaryland.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Progress in neurobiology (Prog Neurobiol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Nov; vol 68 (issue 4) : pp 247-86

Dates: Created 2002/12/24; Completed 2003/03/20; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12498988, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals
Central Nervous System
Cerebellum - physiology
Endocannabinoids
Fatty Acids, Unsaturated - pharmacology; physiology
Hippocampus - physiology
Homeostasis - physiology
Humans
Mammals
Membrane Potentials - physiology

Nerve Growth Factor - physiology
Neural Inhibition - physiology
Neuronal Plasticity - physiology
Neuropeptides - physiology
Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism; physiology
Presynaptic Terminals - physiology
Receptors, Presynaptic - physiology
Second Messenger Systems - physiology
Signal Transduction - physiology
Synaptic Transmission - physiology

Associated Chemicals: Endocannabinoids (0) ; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated (0) ; Neuropeptides (0) ; Neurotransmitter Agents (0) ; Receptors, Presynaptic (0) ; Nerve Growth Factor (9061-61-4)

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