ICCC34 - golden edition of coordination chemistry reviews. Coordination chemistry for the neurosciences

Metal ions are integral components of numerous enzymes and proteins. Although the field of bioinorganic chemistry has not focused on the brain and central nervous system, metal ions are vital to many neurological functions and are implicated in several neurological disorders. In this review. we give a brief overview of the functions of metal ions in neurobiology and the highlight recent advances and uses of fluorescent sensors to study the neurotransmitters nitric oxide and zinc. Emphasis is placed on work from our laboratory to devise sensors for NO and Zn2+ a project that was initiated 3 years ago in a continuing effort to study the inorganic chemistry of the nervous system. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.