Taurine in Neurotransmission

Abstract

This chapter reviews present knowledge of the possible roles of taurine as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. Neurons and glia possess biosynthetic machinery and ample amounts and efficient reuptake of taurine. It is released by depolarization, but the Ca2+ dependency of stimulated release is as yet not definitely settled. Taurine enhances the chloride conductance of plasma membranes in nerve cells and induces hyperpolarization with subsequent inhibition. It remains open whether or not taurine possesses receptors of its own or whether its actions are mediated by GABA and glycine receptors. Taurine may be a neurotransmitter in certain brain areas, more likely in developing animals and in species other than mammals, but no taurinergic nerve tracts are known. Taurine is not a neuromodulator in the classical sense as it has actions of its own in the synaptic region and does not of itself influence the functions of established neurotransmitters. , Abstract: This chapter reviews present knowledge of the possible roles of taurine as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. Neurons and glia possess biosynthetic machinery and ample amounts and efficient reuptake of taurine. It is released by depolarization, but the Ca2+ dependency of stimulated release is as yet not definitely settled. Taurine enhances the chloride conductance of plasma membranes in nerve cells and induces hyperpolarization with subsequent inhibition. It remains open whether or not taurine possesses receptors of its own or whether its actions are mediated by GABA and glycine receptors. Taurine may be a neurotransmitter in certain brain areas, more likely in developing animals and in species other than mammals, but no taurinergic nerve tracts are known. Taurine is not a neuromodulator in the classical sense as it has actions of its own in the synaptic region and does not of itself influence the functions of established neurotransmitters.