Molecular Components of Striatal Plasticity: The Various Routes of Cyclic AMP Pathways

Neuroplasticity serves an important role for normal striatal function and in disease states. One route to neuroplasticity involves activation of the transcription factor cyclic 3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) response element binding protein (CREB) by phosphorylation of the amino acid 133Ser. Dopamine and glutamate, the two predominant neurotransmitters in the striatum, induce CREB phosphorylation in primary cultures of rat striatum through cyclic AMP and Ca2+ pathways. Here we present the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and Ca2+ in cyclic AMP-mediated CREB phosphorylation.