Adenosine-Glutamate Receptor-Receptor Interactions In The Central Nervous System

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and its function through ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors can he modulated by other neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. Recently, evidence has emerged that seven transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) may be present as homo- and heteromers in the plasma membrane. Here we propose a new molecular and functional interaction between two unrelated types of GPCR, namely the metabotropic glutamate type 1 alpha and the adenosine A1 receptors in the central nervous system. Apart from providing a molecular basis for adenosine/glutamate receptor cross-talk, this interaction may lead to the development of novel reagents to treat neuropsychiatric disorders in which abnormal glutamatergic neurotransmission is involved. Drug Dev. Res. 52:316-322, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.