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Excitable properties in astrocytes derived from human embryonic CNS stem cells
1Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, I-20126, Italy.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|October 13, 2000
Summary
Human astrocytes exhibit excitability and firing during CNS development, challenging the belief they lack these properties in adult tissue. This intrinsic attribute is crucial for their developmental roles, distinct from adult functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Astrocytes are traditionally considered non-excitable in adult mammalian tissue.
- However, primitive excitability has been observed in rodent and human astrocytes under pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrophysiological properties of human astrocytes derived from embryonic stem cells.
- To determine if human astrocytes exhibit excitability during development.
Main Methods:
- Culturing human embryonic CNS stem cells for 12-25 days.
- Electrophysiological recordings, including current-pulse stimulation and voltage-clamp studies.
- Immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to identify astrocytes.
- Tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive sodium channel analysis.
Main Results:
- Human astrocytes exhibited action potential-like spikes from a resting potential of approximately -37 mV.
- Spontaneous firing was occasionally recorded in these developing human astrocytes.
- Voltage-clamp data revealed specific properties of Na+ and K+ channels influencing excitability.
Conclusions:
- Human astrocytes possess intrinsic excitability and firing capabilities during CNS development.
- This excitability is likely vital for developmental functions like glutamate release and neuronal migration.
- Findings suggest a developmental role for astrocyte excitability distinct from adult K+ buffering.