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Morphological evidence for vesicular glutamate release from astrocytes
1Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, POB 1105 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway. l.h.bergersen@medisin.uio.no
Neuroscience
|May 16, 2008
Summary
Astrocytes release glutamate via exocytosis, a process involving synaptic-like vesicles and SNARE proteins. This astrocyte-derived glutamate activates neuronal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, influencing neural activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Glial Cell Function
Background:
- Growing evidence suggests astrocytes, a type of glial cell, can release neurotransmitters.
- Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter identified as being released from astrocytes in numerous studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review morphological data supporting the exocytotic release of glutamate from astrocytes.
- To highlight the molecular machinery within astrocytes consistent with exocytosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of morphological data on astrocyte components.
- Examination of the presence of key exocytotic proteins and transporters in astrocytes.
Main Results:
- Astrocytes possess small synaptic-like microvesicles, crucial for exocytosis.
- SNARE proteins and vesicular glutamate transporters, essential for vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter packaging, are present in astrocytes.
- N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are found near astrocytic vesicles.
Conclusions:
- Morphological evidence strongly supports astrocytes' capacity for exocytotic glutamate release.
- Astrocytic glutamate release can modulate neuronal activity by activating neuronal NMDA receptors.
