AI Article Synopsis
- The study looked at how a special type of receptor called alpha7 nicotinic receptors affects the release of two important brain chemicals: dopamine and glutamate.
- Researchers found that these receptors play a role in attention and could help with brain problems.
- They discovered that activating these receptors can boost the release of glutamate, which then helps release more dopamine, showing how these chemicals work together in the brain.
Article Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the modulation by alpha7 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) of dopamine and glutamate release in the rat prefrontal cortex where these receptors are implicated in attentional processes and are therapeutic targets for cognitive deficits. The presence of presynaptic alpha7 nAChRs on glutamate terminals is supported by the ability of the subtype-selective agonist Compound A to evoke [(3)H]D-aspartate release from synaptosomes: This response was potentiated by the selective allosteric potentiator PNU-120596 and blocked by alphabungarotoxin. Compound A also evoked dopamine overflow in the prefrontal cortex in vivo, and this was potentiated by PNU-120596. alpha7 nAChR-evoked [(3)H]dopamine release from tissue prisms in vitro was blocked by antagonists of NMDA and AMPA receptors. These data are consistent with a model in which alpha7 nAChRs present on glutamate terminals increase glutamate release that (1) contributes to presynaptic facilitation and synaptic plasticity and (2) co-ordinately enhances dopamine release from neighbouring boutons.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12031-009-9232-5 | DOI Listing |
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