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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This work was supported by grants from FAPERJ, CNPq, PRONEX
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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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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-008-9604-1