Synaptically released zinc: Physiological functions and pathological effects

Abstract

In addition to its familiar role as a component of metalloproteins, zinc is also sequestered in the presynaptic vesicles of a specialized type of neurons called 'zinc-containing' neurons. Here we review the physiological and pathological effects of the release of zinc from these zinc-containing synaptic terminals. The best-established physiological role of synaptically released zinc is the tonic modulation of brain excitability through modulation of amino acid receptors; prominent pathological effects include acceleration of plaque deposition in Alzheimer's disease and exacerbation of excitotoxic neuron injury. Synaptically released zinc functions as a conventional synaptic neurotransmitter ..