Gliotransmission: focus on exocytotic release of L-glutamate and D-serine from astrocytes.

Magalie Martineau
Biochm. Soc. Trans.. 2013-12-01; 41(6): 1557-1561
DOI: 10.1042/BST20130195

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1. Biochem Soc Trans. 2013 Dec;41(6):1557-61. doi: 10.1042/BST20130195.

Gliotransmission: focus on exocytotic release of L-glutamate and D-serine from
astrocytes.

Martineau M(1).

Author information:
(1)*Department of Cellular Biophysics, Institute for Medical Physics and
Biophysics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.

The release of neuromodulators, called gliotransmitters, by astrocytes is
proposed to modulate neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, and thereby
cognitive functions; but they are also proposed to have a role in diverse
neurological disorders. Two main routes have been proposed to ensure
gliotransmitter release: non-exocytotic release from cytosolic pools through
plasma membrane proteins, and Ca2+-regulated exocytosis through the fusion of
gliotransmitter-storing secretory organelles. Regulated Ca2+-dependent glial
exocytosis has received much attention and is appealing since its existence
endows astrocytes with some of the basic properties thought to be exclusive to
neurons and neuroendocrine cells. The present review summarizes recent findings
regarding the exocytotic mechanisms underlying the release of two excitatory
amino acids, L-glutamate and D-serine.

DOI: 10.1042/BST20130195
PMID: 24256254 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

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