RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Glia Contribute to the Purinergic Modulation of Inspiratory Rhythm-Generating Networks
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 3947
OP 3958
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.6027-09.2010
VO 30
IS 11
A1 Adrianne G. Huxtable
A1 Jennifer D. Zwicker
A1 Tucaauê S. Alvares
A1 Araya Ruangkittisakul
A1 Xin Fang
A1 Leanne B. Hahn
A1 Elena Posse de Chaves
A1 Glen B. Baker
A1 Klaus Ballanyi
A1 Gregory D. Funk
YR 2010
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/30/11/3947.abstract
AB Glia modulate neuronal activity by releasing transmitters in a process called gliotransmission. The role of this process in controlling the activity of neuronal networks underlying motor behavior is unknown. ATP features prominently in gliotransmission; it also contributes to the homeostatic ventilatory response evoked by low oxygen through mechanisms that likely include excitation of preBötzinger complex (preBötC) neural networks, brainstem centers critical for breathing. We therefore inhibited glial function in rhythmically active inspiratory networks in vitro to determine whether glia contribute to preBötC ATP sensitivity. Glial toxins markedly reduced preBötC responses to ATP, but not other modulators. Furthermore, since preBötC glia responded to ATP with increased intracellular Ca2+ and glutamate release, we conclude that glia contribute to the ATP sensitivity of preBötC networks, and possibly the hypoxic ventilatory response. Data reveal a role for glia in signal processing within brainstem motor networks that may be relevant to similar networks throughout the neuraxis.