Cholinergic and Adenosinergic Modulation of Synaptic Release

Neuroscience, vol. 456, pp. 114–130

Abstract

In this review we will discuss the effect of two neuromodulatory transmitters, acetylcholine (ACh) and adenosine, on the synaptic release probability and short-term synaptic plasticity. ACh and adenosine differ fundamentally in the way they are released into the extracellular space. ACh is released mostly from synaptic terminals and axonal bouton of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain (BF). Its mode of action on synaptic release probability is complex because it activate both ligand-gated ion channels, so-called nicotinic ACh receptors and G-protein coupled muscarinic ACh receptors. In contrast, adenosine is released from both neurons and glia via nucleoside transporters or diffusion over the cell membrane in a non-vesicular, non-synaptic fashion; its receptors are exclusively G-protein coupled receptors. We show that ACh and adenosine effects are highly specific for an identified synaptic connection and depend mostly on the presynaptic but also on the postsynaptic receptor type and discuss the functional implications of these differences.

Authors 4

1. Danqing Yang

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Research Centre Juelich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 10, Leo-Brandt-Strasse, Juelich, Germany

2. Chao Ding

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Research Centre Juelich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 10, Leo-Brandt-Strasse, Juelich, Germany

3. Guanxiao Qi

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Research Centre Juelich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 10, Leo-Brandt-Strasse, Juelich, Germany

4. Dirk Feldmeyer corresponding Aachen

   Forschungszentrum Jülich · Universitätsklinikum Aachen · Jülich Aachen Research Alliance · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Research Centre Juelich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 10, Leo-Brandt-Strasse, Juelich, Germany; RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Germany; Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance Brain - JARA Brain, Germany. Electronic address: d.feldmeyer@fz-juelich.de

   Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance Brain - JARA Brain, Germany

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Germany

   Research Centre Juelich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 10, Leo-Brandt-Strasse, Juelich, Germany