RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The Neurophysiology and Pathology of Brain Zinc JF The Journal of Neuroscience JO J. Neurosci. FD Society for Neuroscience SP 16076 OP 16085 DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3454-11.2011 VO 31 IS 45 A1 Sensi, Stefano L. A1 Paoletti, Pierre A1 Koh, Jae-Young A1 Aizenman, Elias A1 Bush, Ashley I. A1 Hershfinkel, Michal YR 2011 UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/31/45/16076.abstract AB Our understanding of the roles played by zinc in the physiological and pathological functioning of the brain is rapidly expanding. The increased availability of genetically modified animal models, selective zinc-sensitive fluorescent probes, and novel chelators is producing a remarkable body of exciting new data that clearly establishes this metal ion as a key modulator of intracellular and intercellular neuronal signaling. In this Mini-Symposium, we will review and discuss the most recent findings that link zinc to synaptic function as well as the injurious effects of zinc dyshomeostasis within the context of neuronal death associated with major human neurological disorders, including stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.