The styryl dye FM1-43 suppresses odorant responses in a subset of olfactory neurons by blocking cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels.

Many olfactory receptor neurons use a cAMP-dependent transduction mechanism to transduce odorants into depolarizations. This signaling cascade is characterized by a sequence of two currents: a cation current through cyclic nucleotide-gated channels followed by a chloride current through calcium-activated chloride channels. To date, it is not possible to interfere with these generator channels under physiological conditions with potent and specific blockers.

Endocannabinoid modulation in the olfactory epithelium.

Appetite, food intake, and energy balance are closely linked to the endocannabinoid system in the central nervous system. Now, endocannabinoid modulation has been discovered in the peripheral olfactory system of larval Xenopus laevis. The endocannabinoid 2-AG has been shown to influence odorant-detection thresholds according to the hunger state of the animal.

The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol controls odor sensitivity in larvae of Xenopus laevis.

Cannabinoids modulate the activity of many neuronal cells, among them sensory neurons in the olfactory epithelium. Here we show that the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) is synthesized in both olfactory receptor neurons and glia-like sustentacular cells in larval Xenopus laevis. Its production in the latter depends on the hunger state of the animal.

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate-mediated calcium signalling in effector T cells regulates autoimmunity of the central nervous system.

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate represents a newly identified second messenger in T cells involved in antigen receptor-mediated calcium signalling. Its function in vivo is, however, unknown due to the lack of biocompatible inhibitors. Using a recently developed inhibitor, we explored the role of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate in autoreactive effector T cells during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the animal model for multiple sclerosis.