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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Visualizing and Analyzing Intracellular Transport of Organelles and Other Cargos in Astrocytes

Visualizing and Analyzing Intracellular Transport of Organelles and Other Cargos in Astrocytes

Published on: August 28, 2019

Do astrocytes really exocytose neurotransmitters?

Nicola B Hamilton¹, David Attwell

¹Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.

Nature Reviews. Neuroscience

|March 20, 2010

Summary

Astrocytes may release gliotransmitters like glutamate and ATP to modulate brain activity. However, the controversial question of whether astrocytes can release these transmitters in vivo remains unresolved, impacting our understanding of brain function.

More Related Videos

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Visualizing and Analyzing Intracellular Transport of Organelles and Other Cargos in Astrocytes

Visualizing and Analyzing Intracellular Transport of Organelles and Other Cargos in Astrocytes

Published on: August 28, 2019

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cellular Biology
Neurophysiology

Background:

Astrocyte-neuron communication is a key area in neuroscience.
Gliotransmitters (glutamate, ATP, D-serine) are proposed to be released by astrocytes.
These molecules may influence neuronal excitability and neurotransmission.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the controversial role of astrocytes in information processing within the central nervous system (CNS).
To determine if astrocytes can exocytose gliotransmitters in vivo.
To clarify astrocyte contribution to neuronal function and neurological diseases.

Main Methods:

The study focuses on neuronally evoked intracellular calcium increases in astrocytes.
It examines the proposed exocytotic release of gliotransmitters.
The research addresses the controversy surrounding in vivo astrocyte exocytosis.

Main Results:

Evidence suggests neuronally evoked calcium increases in astrocytes.
These calcium changes are hypothesized to trigger gliotransmitter release.
The in vivo exocytotic capacity of astrocytes is intensely debated.

Conclusions:

Resolving the controversy of astrocyte gliotransmitter exocytosis is crucial.
Understanding this mechanism will significantly advance brain function knowledge.
This research impacts the understanding of neurological disorders like stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.