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Müller Glia as an Active Compartment Modulating Nervous Activity in the Vertebrate Retina: Neurotransmitters and Trophic Factors

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Abstract

Müller cells represent the main type of glia present in the retina interacting with most, if not all neurons in this tissue. Müller cells have been claimed to function as optic fibers in the retina delivering light to photoreceptors with minimal distortion and low loss [Franze et al (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci 104:8287–8292]. Most of the mediators found in the brain are also detected in the retinal tissue, and glia cells are active players in the synthesis, release, signaling and uptake of major mediators of synaptic function. Müller glia trophic factors may regulate many different aspects of neuronal circuitry during synaptogenesis, differentiation, neuroprotection and survival of photoreceptors, Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) and other targets in the retina. Here we review the role of several transmitters and trophic factors that participate in the neuron-glia loop in the retina.

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Abbreviations

AC:

Adenylate cyclase

BDNF:

Brain derived neurotrophic factor

cAMP:

Cyclic AMP

CREB:

cAMP-responsive element-binding protein

CNS:

Central nervous system

CNTF:

Ciliary neurotrophic factor

DDC:

Dopa decarboxylase

DA:

Dopamine

DAT:

Dopamine transporter

FGFb:

Basic fibroblast growth factor

GABA:

Gamma amino butiric acid

GAT:

GABA transporter

GLAST:

Glutamate/aspartate transporter

NGF:

Nerve growth factor

NMDA:

(N-methyl d-aspartate)

NT-3:

Neurotrophin 3

PACAP:

Pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating polypeptide

RGCs:

Retinal ganglion cells

SR:

Serine racemase

TH:

Tyrosine hydroxylase

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from FAPERJ, CNPq, PRONEX

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Correspondence to Fernando Garcia de Mello.

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Special issue article in honor of Dr. Ricardo Tapia.

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de Melo Reis, R.A., Ventura, A.L.M., Schitine, C.S. et al. Müller Glia as an Active Compartment Modulating Nervous Activity in the Vertebrate Retina: Neurotransmitters and Trophic Factors. Neurochem Res 33, 1466–1474 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-008-9604-1

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