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Sci. Signal., 13 May 2008
Vol. 1, Issue 19, p. re3
[DOI: 10.1126/stke.119re3]

REVIEWS

Is Zinc a Neuromodulator?

Alan R. Kay1* and Katalin Tóth2

1Department of Biology, 336 BB, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
2Centre de Recherche and Department of Psychiatry, Université Laval Robert Giffard, 2601 chemin de la Canardière, F6550, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada.

Gloss: This review, with 3 figures and 57 references, describes the evidence that the cation Zn2+ acts as a modulator of synaptic activity. Beginning with a discussion of the criteria that zinc would have to meet in order to be classified as a neuromodulator and the use of chelators for intercepting zinc in the synaptic cleft, the authors then consider different models for zinc’s action at synapses, ranging from free diffusion of zinc to bound zinc in the extracellular space and a possible action within synaptic vesicles. The article wraps up with suggested experimental approaches that may help resolve the questions surrounding the role of zinc in the central nervous system.

*Corresponding author. E-mail, alan-kay{at}uiowa.edu

Citation: A. R. Kay, K. Tóth, Is Zinc a Neuromodulator? Sci. Signal. 1, re3 (2008).

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