Neural Plasticity,
Journal Year:
2014,
Volume and Issue:
2014, P. 1 - 13
Published: Jan. 1, 2014
The
function
and
efficacy
of
synaptic
transmission
are
determined
not
only
by
the
composition
activity
pre-
postsynaptic
components
but
also
environment
in
which
a
synapse
is
embedded.
Glial
cells
constitute
an
important
part
this
participate
several
aspects
functions.
Among
glial
cell
family,
roles
played
astrocytes
at
level
particularly
important,
ranging
from
trophic
support
to
fine-tuning
transmission.
Astrocytic
structures
frequently
observed
close
association
with
glutamatergic
synapses,
providing
morphological
entity
for
bidirectional
interactions
synapses.
Experimental
evidence
indicates
that
sense
neuronal
elevating
their
intracellular
calcium
response
neurotransmitters
may
communicate
neurons.
precise
role
regulating
properties,
function,
plasticity
remains
however
subject
intense
debate
many
neurons
remain
be
investigated.
A
intriguing
aspect
ability
rapidly
restructure
processes
modify
coverage
elements.
present
review
summarizes
some
these
findings
particular
focus
on
mechanisms
driving
form
structural
its
possible
impact
structure
function.
Physiological Reviews,
Journal Year:
2017,
Volume and Issue:
98(1), P. 239 - 389
Published: Dec. 24, 2017
Astrocytes
are
neural
cells
of
ectodermal,
neuroepithelial
origin
that
provide
for
homeostasis
and
defense
the
central
nervous
system
(CNS).
highly
heterogeneous
in
morphological
appearance;
they
express
a
multitude
receptors,
channels,
membrane
transporters.
This
complement
underlies
their
remarkable
adaptive
plasticity
defines
functional
maintenance
CNS
development
aging.
tightly
integrated
into
networks
act
within
context
tissue;
astrocytes
control
at
all
levels
organization
from
molecular
to
whole
organ.
Neuron,
Journal Year:
2014,
Volume and Issue:
82(6), P. 1263 - 1270
Published: June 1, 2014
Astrocytes
perform
crucial
supportive
functions,
including
neurotransmitter
clearance,
ion
buffering,
and
metabolite
delivery.
They
can
also
influence
blood
flow
neuronal
activity
by
releasing
gliotransmitters
in
response
to
intracellular
Ca2+
transients.
However,
little
is
known
about
how
astrocytes
are
engaged
during
different
behaviors
vivo.
Here
we
demonstrate
that
norepinephrine
primes
detect
changes
cortical
network
activity.
We
show
mice
locomotion
triggers
simultaneous
activation
of
astrocyte
networks
multiple
brain
regions.
This
global
stimulation
was
inhibited
alpha-adrenoceptor
antagonists
abolished
depletion
from
the
brain.
Although
visual
cortex
awake
were
rarely
when
neurons
activated
light
alone,
pairing
release
with
markedly
enhanced
signaling.
Our
findings
indicate
shifts
gain
according
behavioral
state,
enabling
respond
local
