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Related Concept Videos

Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview
Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

Multicellular organisms employ a variety of ways for cells to communicate with each other. Gap junctions are specialized proteins that form pores between neighboring cells in animals, connecting the cytoplasm between the two, and allowing for the exchange of molecules and ions. They are found in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species, mediate numerous functions including cell differentiation and development, and are associated with numerous human diseases, including cardiac and...
Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

The cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells can exchange small molecules, ions, and secondary messengers via the communication channels which form the gap junctions. These junctions comprise a few hundred to thousands of molecular channels, each made of two halves, called the connexon hemichannel. A connexon is a hexamer of six transmembrane connexin proteins, which assemble radially, thus forming a pore or channel in the center. One connexon hemichannel docks with a corresponding connexon on the...
Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
Overview of Synapses01:25

Overview of Synapses

A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another  cell. These cell junctions are classified  into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
10:10

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

Published on: October 4, 2018

Astroglial gap junctions shape neuronal network activity.

Ulrike Pannasch1, Mickael Derangeon, Oana Chever

  • 1Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology; Collège de France; CNRS UMR7241; INSERM U1050; Paris, France.

Communicative & Integrative Biology
|August 17, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Astroglial gap junctional communication regulates neuronal network activity by modulating extracellular ion and neurotransmitter levels. This networking is crucial for brain information processing.

Keywords:
astrocytesconnexinsgap junctionshippocampusneuroglial interactionsneuronal network activity

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Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number
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Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
10:10

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

Published on: October 4, 2018

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number
18:11

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number

Published on: November 16, 2010

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System
09:34

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Published on: October 14, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Biology
  • Synaptic Transmission

Background:

  • Astrocytes, integral components of the tripartite synapse, actively participate in neurotransmission.
  • Previous research focused on single astrocyte functions, overlooking their network communication.
  • Astrocytes form extensive networks via gap junctions, influencing synaptic transmission and plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of astroglial gap junctional communication in regulating neuronal network activity.
  • To expand on previous findings demonstrating astrocyte network modulation of synaptic transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated astroglial gap junctional communication.
  • Assessed the impact of this communication on neuronal network activity.
  • Analyzed the regulation of extracellular potassium and glutamate levels by astrocyte networks.

Main Results:

  • Astroglial gap junctional communication was shown to regulate neuronal network activity.
  • This regulation occurs through the modulation of extracellular potassium and glutamate concentrations.
  • Findings extend the understanding of astrocyte network involvement beyond basal synaptic transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Astroglial gap junctional communication is a significant regulator of neuronal network dynamics.
  • These findings highlight the importance of astrocyte networks in brain information processing.
  • Future research should consider the collective function of astrocytes in neural circuits.