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Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates
Published on: March 21, 2014
Astrocytes mediate in vivo cholinergic-induced synaptic plasticity
Marta Navarrete1, Gertrudis Perea, David Fernandez de Sevilla
1Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Madrid, Spain.
Plos Biology
|February 21, 2012
Summary
Cholinergic activity in the brain triggers calcium (Ca²⁺) signals in astrocytes, which are essential for inducing long-term potentiation (LTP), a key process for learning and memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- Long-term potentiation (LTP) is crucial for learning and memory.
- Astrocytes modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity.
- The specific role of astrocytes in in vivo LTP induction remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of astrocytes in cholinergic-induced LTP in vivo.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying astrocyte involvement in synaptic plasticity.
Main Methods:
- In vivo and in vitro electrophysiology in hippocampal slices.
- Cholinergic stimulation and sensory input.
- Calcium imaging in astrocytes.
- Genetic manipulation (IP₃R2 knock-out mice).
- Pharmacological inhibition (BAPTA, GDPβS) and rescue experiments.
Main Results:
- Cholinergic activity increases astrocyte Ca²⁺ and induces LTP of CA3-CA1 synapses.
- This process requires muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs).
- Astrocyte Ca²⁺ signaling, mediated by IP₃R2, is necessary for LTP, involving astrocyte-released glutamate.
Conclusions:
- Astrocyte Ca²⁺ elevations are essential for cholinergic-induced LTP.
- Astrocyte glutamate release, triggered by Ca²⁺ signals, activates mGluRs, contributing to synaptic plasticity.
- Astrocytes play a direct role in information storage through their involvement in synaptic plasticity.
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