Novel neural modulators.

Darren Boehning; Solomon H Snyder

doi:10.1146/annurev.neuro.26.041002.131047

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Novel neural modulators.

Darren Boehning·Solomon H Snyder

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Abstract

The discovery that nitric oxide (NO) is produced by neurons and regulates synaptic activity has challenged the definition of a neurotransmitter. NO is not stored in synaptic vesicles and does not act at conventional receptors on the surface of adjacent neurons. The toxic gases carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are also produced by neurons and modulate synaptic activity. D-serine synthesis and release by astrocytes as an endogenous ligand for the "glycine" site of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors defy the concept that a neurotransmitter must be synthesized by neurons. We review the properties of these "atypical" neural modulators.

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Amino Acids Animals Carbon Monoxide Guanylate Cyclase Humans Hydrogen Sulfide Muscle, Smooth Neurons Neurotransmitter Agents Nitric Oxide Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Synapses Synaptic Transmission Journal Article Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review

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Darren Boehning, Solomon H Snyder. 2003. Novel neural modulators.. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.26.041002.131047

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