Roles of Gasotransmitters in Synaptic Plasticity and Neuropsychiatric Conditions

Abstract

Synaptic plasticity is important for maintaining normal neuronal activity and proper neuronal functioning in the nervous system. It is crucial for regulating synaptic transmission or electrical signal transduction to neuronal networks, for sharing essential information among neurons, and for maintaining homeostasis in the body. Moreover, changes in synaptic or neural plasticity are associated with many neuropsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BP), major depressive disorder (MDD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The improper maintenance of neural plasticity causes incorrect neurotransmitter transmission, which can also cause neuropsychiatric conditions. Gas neurotransmitters (gasotransmitters), such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO), and carbon monoxide (CO), play roles in maintaining synaptic plasticity and in helping to restore such plasticity in the neuronal architecture in the central nervous system (CNS). Indeed, the upregulation or downregulation of these gasotransmitters may cause neuropsychiatric conditions, and their amelioration may restore synaptic plasticity and proper neuronal functioning and thereby improve such conditions. Understanding the specific molecular mechanisms underpinning these effects can help identify ways to treat these neuropsychiatric conditions.