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Synaptic transmission

The two faces of glutamate

Nature volume 394, pages 19–20 (1998)Cite this article

Most fast, excitatory synapses in the brain use the common neurotransmitter glutamate, which activates both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs and mGluRs). Because mGluRs are located on both pre- and postsynaptic elements, they are important in regulating the strength and frequency of synaptic firing, including the long-term modification of synaptic strength. Surprisingly few effects resulting from activation of the mGluRs by synaptically released glutamate have been identified1,2 but, on page 78 of this issue, Fiorillo and Williams3 reveal a new one. They have found that one mGluR that was assumed to be mainly excitatory can generate a large inhibitory action upon release of glutamate.

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Figure 1: Effects of the neurotransmitter glutamate on synaptic transmission.

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  1. the CNRS-UPR 9023, Mécanismes Moléculaires des Communications Cellulaires, CCIPE, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34094 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France

    Jean-Philippe Pin

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  1. Jean-Philippe Pin
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Pin, JP. The two faces of glutamate. Nature 394, 19–20 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/27771

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