Neurotransmitter Receptors in Animal Models of Neurodegeneration: Anatomy, Pharmacology and Molecular Properties

Neurodegeneration comprehends all processes of progressive loss of neuronal structure or function in the vertebrate nervous system. As a common hallmark, neurodegenerative processes relate otherwise dissimilar disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson?s or Alzheimer?s disease. Neurotransmitter receptors are key elements of synaptic transmission that link neuronal structure and function. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of the distribution pattern, regional densities and pharmacological properties of neurotransmitter receptors in animal models of neurodegeneration could reveal underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, changes of neurotransmitter receptors were studied in rodent models of repeated seizures, disturbed neurotransmitter homeostasis or reelin gene mutation, respectively. Conclusively, this study revealed a complex pattern of correlations between neurodegeneration and changes of neurotransmitter receptors. Since neurotransmitter receptors are a major target for pharmacological intervention, these results might offer ambitions for the development of therapeutic strategies.