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Imaging Intracellular Ca2+ Signals in Striatal Astrocytes from Adult Mice Using Genetically-encoded Calcium Indicators
Published on: November 19, 2014
Prostaglandin E2 induces glutamate release from subventricular zone astrocytes
Kathleen A Dave1, Jean-Claude Platel, Frank Huang
1Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.
Neuron Glia Biology
|January 8, 2011
Summary
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signals astrocyte-like cells in the brain's neurogenic zones to release glutamate. This process is crucial for regulating neuroblast survival and proliferation, potentially impacting recovery after injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Neurogenesis
Background:
- Adult neurogenic zones, like the subventricular zone (SVZ), contain astrocyte-like cells that release glutamate.
- The specific signals controlling calcium activity and glutamate release from SVZ astrocytes remain unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) acts as a signal controlling calcium activity and glutamate release from SVZ astrocytes.
- To determine the role of PGE2 in regulating neuroblast survival and proliferation within the SVZ.
Main Methods:
- Gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp electrophysiology to monitor N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity in neuroblasts.
- Calcium (Ca2+) imaging to assess intracellular Ca2+ levels in SVZ cells.
- PGE2 enzyme immunoassay to detect PGE2 release from brain tissues.
Main Results:
- PGE2 application increased ambient glutamate levels in the SVZ, detected via NMDAR activity.
- PGE2 induced a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in SVZ astrocyte-like cells.
- PGE2 is released by the choroid plexus and, to a lesser extent, by the SVZ itself.
Conclusions:
- PGE2 serves as a physiological signal that stimulates glutamate release from SVZ astrocytes.
- This PGE2-mediated glutamate release is vital for controlling neuroblast survival and proliferation.
- Elevated PGE2 levels post-injury may enhance neurogenesis and contribute to brain repair.
