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Colocalization and Cotransmission of Classical Neurotransmitters: An Invertebrate Perspective

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Co-Existence and Co-Release of Classical Neurotransmitters

Abstract

Once considered a curiosity, the notion that individual neurons can contain more than one classical neurotransmitter has gained increasing credibility in recent years. Several contributions to the growing recognition of classical neurotransmitter colocalization and cotransmission originate from studies using invertebrate nervous systems. Some of these model systems contain large identified neurons that contribute to well-understood circuits and networks. They therefore enable investigators to pose questions that are presently beyond the technical limitations of experimental approaches to mammalian brain function. This chapter reviews our current understanding of classical neurotransmitter colocalization and cotransmission in invertebrates. It focuses on identified neurons that could enable assessment of cotransmitter contributions to synaptic signals and neural network function. Major gaps in our present conception of classical neurotransmitter colocalization and cotransmission are emphasized, with an aim toward stimulating further study of their physiological and functional consequences.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The neuronal network that generates Aplysia consummatory behaviors is located primarily in the buccal and cerebral ganglia. These ganglia have a bilaterally symmetrical organization and all neurons discussed in this article occur as pairs, one in each hemiganglion, unless otherwise noted. Cell nomenclature denotes the ganglion in which the cell body is located (Buccal in the case of B34). Numerals convey nominal information only, and do not specify neuron structure, function, or phenotype.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by: the National Institutes of Health: NIGMS MBRS: GM-08224 and NCRR RCMI G12 RR03051; the National Science Foundation: DBI-0115825.

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  1. Institute of Neurobiology and Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, 201 Blvd del Valle, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901

    Mark W. Miller

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  1. Centro de Investigación y de, Estudios Avanzados, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico, 07000, Mexico

    Rafael Gutierrez

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Miller, M.W. (2009). Colocalization and Cotransmission of Classical Neurotransmitters: An Invertebrate Perspective. In: Gutierrez, R. (eds) Co-Existence and Co-Release of Classical Neurotransmitters. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09622-3_13

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