After Golgi-Cajal mapped neural circuits, the discovery and mapping of the central monoamine neurons opened up for a new understanding of interneuronal communication by indicating that another form of communication exists. For instance, it was found that dopamine may be released as a prolactin inhibitory factor from the median eminence, indicating an alternative mode of dopamine communication in the brain. Subsequently, the analysis of the locus coeruleus noradrenaline neurons demonstrated a novel type of lower brainstem neuron that monosynaptically and globally innervated the entire CNS.Furthermore, the ascending raphe serotonin neuron systems were found to globally innervate the forebrain with few synapses, and where deficits in serotonergic function appeared to play a major role in depression. We propose that serotonin reuptake This will lead to the unified execution of information handling and trophism for optimal brain function and survival.

The role of the ATP-gated receptor, P2X(7), has been evaluated in the unilateral 6-OHDA rat model of Parkinson's disease using the P2X(7) competitive antagonist A-438079. Nigral P2X(7) immunoreactivity was mainly located in microglia but also in astroglia. A-438079 partially but significantly prevented the 6-OHDA-induced depletion of striatal DA stores. However, this was not associated with a reduction of DA cell loss. Blockade of P2X(7) receptors may represent a novel protective strategy for striatal DA terminals in Parkinson's disease and warrants further future investigation.

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