Direct receptor cross-talk can mediate the modulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission by dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that can regulate both excitatory and inhibitory fast synaptic transmission. The overlapping dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic systems provide a basis for the interaction between these three neurotransmitters. Although there is considerable evidence for the involvement of second-messenger systems to mediate receptor cross-talk between these receptor systems, there is emerging evidence that receptors can interact through direct protein-protein interactions. The functional implications and overall significance of the dopamine/glutamate/GABA interactions will be examined.