Astrocytes coordinate synaptic networks: balanced excitation and inhibition

Tommaso Fellin; Olivier Pascual; Philip G Haydon

doi:10.1152/physiol.00161.2005

Astrocytes coordinate synaptic networks: balanced excitation and inhibition

Physiology (Bethesda). 2006 Jun:21:208-15. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00161.2005.

Authors

Tommaso Fellin¹, Olivier Pascual, Philip G Haydon

Affiliation

¹ Department of Neuroscience, Silvio Conte Center for Integration at the Tripartite Synapse, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

PMID: 16714479
DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00161.2005

Abstract

Although neurons are essential for brain function, an emerging alternative view holds that astrocytes, the dominant glial cell type, coordinate synaptic networks. Through the release of glutamate, astrocytes locally excite neurons, and via adenosine, which accumulates due to the hydrolysis of released ATP, astrocytes suppress distant synapses.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Adenosine / metabolism
Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
Animals
Astrocytes / physiology*
Glutamic Acid / metabolism
Humans
Synapses / physiology*
Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

Glutamic Acid
Adenosine Triphosphate
Adenosine