Cotransmission

Cotransmission refers to the process where more than one neurotransmitter is released from a single nerve cell or neuron. This phenomenon is a fundamental aspect of neuroscience and neurobiology, and it plays a crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system.

Overview

Cotransmission was first proposed by the Swedish scientist Bertil Hille in the 1970s. It challenges the traditional Dale's principle, which states that a neuron can only release one type of neurotransmitter. Cotransmission suggests that neurons can release multiple neurotransmitters, either simultaneously or in response to different stimuli.

Mechanism

Cotransmission involves the release of two or more neurotransmitters from a single neuron. These neurotransmitters can be packaged together in the same synaptic vesicle, or they can be stored in separate vesicles. When the neuron is stimulated, these neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft, where they can bind to their respective receptors on the post-synaptic neuron.

Role in the Nervous System

Cotransmission plays a significant role in the functioning of the nervous system. It allows for a more complex and nuanced form of communication between neurons, as different neurotransmitters can have different effects on the post-synaptic neuron. For example, one neurotransmitter might excite the neuron, while another might inhibit it. This allows the neuron to fine-tune its response to different stimuli.

Clinical Significance

Understanding cotransmission can have important implications for the treatment of various neurological disorders. For example, many antidepressants work by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain. If a neuron is releasing multiple neurotransmitters, it might be possible to develop more effective treatments by targeting all of these neurotransmitters simultaneously.

See Also

• Neurotransmitter
• Neuron
• Synaptic vesicle
• Synaptic cleft
• Receptor (biochemistry)
• Neurological disorder
• Antidepressant