Synaptic modulation by coffee compounds: Insights into neural plasticity

• Published in: Progress in brain research Vol. 289; p. 181
• Main Authors: Wadan, Al-Hassan Soliman, Raza, Muhammad Liaquat, Moradikor, Nasrollah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 2024
• Subjects: Animals; Caffeine - pharmacology; Central Nervous System Stimulants - pharmacology; Coffee; Humans; Neuronal Plasticity - drug effects; Neuronal Plasticity - physiology; Synapses - drug effects; Synapses - physiology; Synaptic Transmission - drug effects; Synaptic Transmission - physiology; Neuroscience; Synapse; Coffee; Neurons; Plasticity
• ISSN: 1875-7855; 1875-7855
• DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.06.008

The physiological structure and functioning of the brain are determined by activity-dependent processes and affected by "synapse plasticity." Because chemical transmitters target and regulate synapses, exogenous chemical stimulants and transmitters can alter their physiological functions by interacting with synaptic surface receptors or chemical modulators. Caffeine, a commonly used pharmacologic substance, can target and alter synapses. It impact various biological, chemical, and metabolic processes related to synaptic function. This chapter investigates how caffeine affects fluctuations in structure and function in the hippocampus formation and neocortical structure, regions known for their high synaptic plasticity profile. Specifically, caffeine modulates various synaptic receptors and channel activities by mobilizing intracellular calcium, inhibiting phosphodiesterase, and blocking adenosine and GABA cellular receptors. These caffeine-induced pathways and functions allow neurons to generate plastic modulations in synaptic actions such as efficient and morphological transmission. Moreover, at a network level, caffeine can stimulate neural oscillators in the cortex, resulting in repetitive signals that strengthen long-range communication between cortical areas reliant on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. This suggests that caffeine could facilitate the reorganization of cortical network functions through its effects on synaptic mobilization.