Neuromodulation of neurons and synapses

Abstract

Neuromodulation underlies the flexibility of neural circuit operation and behavior. Individual neuromodulators can have divergent actions in a neuron by targeting multiple physiological mechanisms. Conversely, multiple neuromodulators may have convergent actions through overlapping targets. Additionally, the divergent and convergent neuromodulator actions can be unambiguously synergistic or antagonistic. Neuromodulation often entails balanced adjustment of nonlinear membrane and synaptic properties by targeting ion channel and synaptic dynamics rather than just excitability or synaptic strength. In addition, neuromodulators can exert effects at multiple timescales, from short-term adjustments of neuron and synapse function to persistent long-term regulation. This short review summarizes some highlights of the diverse actions of neuromodulators on ion channel and synaptic properties.

Neurocognitive Improvement Through Plant Food Bioactives: A Particular Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Otherwise, along with the disseminated idea that brain cells (such as neurons, microglia, and other glial cells) are not able to regenerate, increasing evidences have shown that they possess an interesting ability to synapse remodeling and consequently to recover its synaptic plasticity, neuronal spine density, and, therefore, cognitive improvement. Numerous signaling molecules, transporters, and codifying proteins, genes, and so on are involved on the mentioned complex process (McCoy et al 2009;van Praag 2009;Nadim and Bucher 2014;Wester and McBain 2014). Plant-derived bioactive molecules, and also physical exercise, have shown to act as important contributors, once rest neurodegeneration, and improve neuroregenerative processes (van Praag 2009).…”

Slump, tilfeldigheter og antiepileptika

“…We have gradually learnt that neuromodulatory substances can have a variety of different effects, both synergistic and antagonistic (26). These may alter depending on minor changes in the molecule.…”

Convergent neuromodulation onto a network neuron can have divergent effects at the network level

“…Neuromodulation is prevalent in the nervous system, commonly influencing multiple neurons and synapses within a target network (Nadim and Bucher, 2014). Consequently, network activity is often conditional upon the presence of neuromodulators, which are typically released from neurons and/or act as circulating hormones (Skiebe, 2001; Christie et al, 2010; Harris-Warrick, 2011; Nusbaum and Blitz, 2012).…”

“…Consequently, network activity is often conditional upon the presence of neuromodulators, which are typically released from neurons and/or act as circulating hormones (Skiebe, 2001; Christie et al, 2010; Harris-Warrick, 2011; Nusbaum and Blitz, 2012). By modifying the properties of neurons and synapses, neuromodulators can reconfigure circuit components and thereby change neural network activity patterns (Lieske et al, 2000; Dickinson, 2006; Dzirasa et al, 2006; Grillner, 2006; Briggman and Kristan, 2008; Marder, 2012; Nusbaum and Blitz, 2012; Rodriguez et al, 2013; Nadim and Bucher, 2014). Moreover, the actions of different neuromodulators can converge to influence a network by targeting the same cellular and/or synaptic mechanisms, in either the same or different network neurons (Nusbaum et al, 2001; Marder and Thirumalai, 2002; Derjean et al, 2010).…”

“…Moreover, the actions of different neuromodulators can converge to influence a network by targeting the same cellular and/or synaptic mechanisms, in either the same or different network neurons (Nusbaum et al, 2001; Marder and Thirumalai, 2002; Derjean et al, 2010). Alternatively, the same neuromodulator can have a divergent influence by targeting distinct mechanisms in different network components (Nusbaum and Beenhakker, 2002; LeBeau et al, 2005; Doi and Ramirez, 2008; Rodriguez et al, 2013; Nadim and Bucher, 2014). …”