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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Imaging Intracellular Ca2+ Signals in Striatal Astrocytes from Adult Mice Using Genetically-encoded Calcium Indicators

Imaging Intracellular Ca²⁺ Signals in Striatal Astrocytes from Adult Mice Using Genetically-encoded Calcium Indicators

Published on: November 19, 2014

Visualizing calcium signaling in astrocytes.

R Douglas Fields¹

¹National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Building 35, Room 2A211, MSC3713, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. fieldsd@mail.nih.gov

Science Signaling

|November 11, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Astrocytes, a type of brain glia, communicate using chemical signals, notably calcium waves. These non-electrical cells influence neuronal activity by releasing and responding to neurotransmitters.

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Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Imaging Intracellular Ca2+ Signals in Striatal Astrocytes from Adult Mice Using Genetically-encoded Calcium Indicators

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Glial Cell Research

Background:

Astrocytes are non-neuronal brain cells (glia) that communicate via chemical signaling, not electrical impulses.
This communication involves changes in intracellular calcium concentration, visualized with fluorescent indicators.
Astrocytes release signaling molecules like adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and possess neurotransmitter receptors similar to neurons.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the communication mechanisms of astrocytes within the brain.
To understand how astrocytes influence neuronal activity and synaptic transmission.

Main Methods:

Microscopic observation using fluorescent calcium indicators to visualize astrocyte activity.
Analysis of astrocyte-released signaling molecules, such as adenosine 5'-triphosphate.
Investigation of neurotransmitter receptor expression on astrocyte cell membranes.

Main Results:

Astrocytes exhibit intercellular communication through propagating calcium signals.
Released substances, including ATP, trigger calcium increases in neighboring astrocytes.
Astrocytes express neurotransmitter receptors, enabling them to sense and respond to neural activity.

Conclusions:

Astrocytes actively participate in brain communication networks, not just as support cells.
They modulate neuronal function by influencing neurotransmitter levels at synapses.
Astrocytic signaling is crucial for integrating neural and glial communication.