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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
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Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates
Published on: March 20, 2014
Astrocyte calcium elevations: properties, propagation, and effects on brain signaling
Todd A Fiacco1, Ken D McCarthy1
1Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Glia
|September 29, 2006
Summary
Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, are increasingly recognized for their role in brain signaling. This review explores astrocyte calcium signaling, its regulation, and its implications in various conditions, though its role in normal brain function remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Astrocyte Biology
Background:
- Astrocytes possess neurotransmitter receptors, responding to stimuli with intracellular calcium and cyclic AMP increases.
- Astrocyte calcium signaling has been extensively studied in both cell cultures and intact brain tissue.
- The precise role of astrocyte signaling in normal brain physiology is still largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the regulation of astrocyte calcium signaling.
- To explore compounds triggering calcium increases in astrocytes.
- To differentiate astrocyte calcium signaling roles in developmental, pathological, and physiological states.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on astrocyte calcium signaling.
- Analysis of mechanisms initiating and propagating calcium waves in astrocytes.
- Pharmacological assessment of astrocyte-neuron signaling.
Main Results:
- Identified various compounds that trigger astrocyte calcium increases.
- Described mechanisms of calcium signal initiation and propagation within and between astrocytes.
- Highlighted the need to clarify astrocyte signaling's role in normal brain function.
Conclusions:
- Astrocyte calcium regulation is complex, involving initiation, propagation, and effects on brain signaling.
- Understanding astrocyte signaling in physiological conditions requires further investigation.
- Pharmacological tools have advanced understanding, but gaps remain in comprehending astrocyte involvement in normal brain physiology.
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