Serotonin as a modulator of glutamate- and GABA-mediated neurotransmission: implications in physiological functions and in pathology.

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Ciranna L

Serotonin as a modulator of glutamate- and GABA-mediated neurotransmission: implications in physiological functions and in pathology.

Curr Neuropharmacol. 2006 Apr;4(2):101-14.

PubMed ID
18615128 [ View in PubMed
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Abstract

The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT), widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), is involved in a large variety of physiological functions. In several brain regions 5-HT is diffusely released by volume transmission and behaves as a neuromodulator rather than as a "classical" neurotransmitter. In some cases 5-HT is co-localized in the same nerve terminal with other neurotransmitters and reciprocal interactions take place. This review will focus on the modulatory action of 5-HT on the effects of glutamate and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), which are the principal neurotransmitters mediating respectively excitatory and inhibitory signals in the CNS. Examples of interaction at pre-and/or post-synaptic levels will be illustrated, as well as the receptors involved and their mechanisms of action. Finally, the physiological meaning of neuromodulatory effects of 5-HT will be briefly discussed with respect to pathologies deriving from malfunctioning of serotonin system.

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