Abstract
At least seven different G-protein linked ('metabotropic') glutamate receptors have been identified in the nervous system. Expression of these receptors in vitro suggests that they can influence a variety of second messenger systems, including adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C. The receptors fall into three separate subgroups based on sequence homologies, pharmacological specificity and functional effects. The receptors show a variable distribution in the brain and are found in both neurons and glial cells. Activation of the receptors produces a variety of effects including the regulation of K and Ca conductances as well as long-term changes in the efficacy of excitatory synaptic transmission. G-protein linked glutamate receptors probably represent an extremely widely distributed system for the regulation of synaptic function.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 105-115 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Seminars in Neuroscience |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 1994 |
Keywords
- G-proteins/glutamate receptors/adenylate cyclase/phospholipase C/ion channels
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)