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MEDICINA

Bases moleculares de la señalización neuronal

© Rafael Luján , 2004  
rlujan@med-ab.uclm.es

[RESUMEN]ABSTRACT

  Brain neurons communicate with each other by releasing small amounts of neurotransmitter. This chemical messenger changes the electrical activity of neurons by their highly specific binding to receptors localized on the neuronal surface. Receptor- neurotransmitter binding produces functional changes in the neurons that can be passed on to the neighbouring neurons. This process of neuronal communication is carried out in specialized places known as synapses. Among the complex variety of synaptic proteins we emphasize the main role placed by the neurotransmitter receptors. The physiological actions of neurotransmitters are mediated by two different types of receptors: ionotropic, which form ion channels and mediate the flow of specific ions through the plasma membrane, and metabotropic, which associate to G proteins and mediate modulatory effects on synaptic transmission. The relevance of the study of synapses and, particularly, of neurotransmitter receptors in neuronal signaling lies in the fact that most therapeutical drugs, such as anaesthetic, ansyolitic, anticonvulsant, etc., or the therapies used in the treatment of some neurological diseases, are based on the mechanisms of action of neurotransmitter receptors.