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Related Concept Videos

Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters01:29

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When an action potential reaches the presynaptic axon terminal, it releases neurotransmitters from the neuron into the synaptic cleft at a chemical synapse. The released neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory. The critical criteria commonly used to determine whether a molecule is a neurotransmitter at a chemical synapse are the molecule's presence in the presynaptic neuron. Second, its release is in response to strong presynaptic depolarization. And lastly, the presence of...
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Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
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Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
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Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
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Related Experiment Video

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Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number
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Astrocyte regulation of synaptic behavior.

Nicola J Allen1

  • 1Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037;

Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology
|October 8, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Astrocytes are crucial for brain function, modulating neuronal and synaptic activity throughout life. This review synthesizes their diverse roles, from synapse formation to neurotransmitter regulation, highlighting complex astrocyte-neuron interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

  • Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, play vital roles in the central nervous system.
  • Their functions extend beyond support to actively modulating neuronal and synaptic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of astrocyte functions in regulating neuronal synaptic activity across the lifespan.
  • To highlight recent findings on both established and emerging astrocyte roles.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing current research on astrocyte-neuron interactions.
  • Focus on diverse astrocytic functions including neurotransmitter uptake, recycling, and synapse formation.

Main Results:

Keywords:
developmentglianeuronplasticitysynapse

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  • Astrocytes are integral to synapse formation and maturation.
  • They actively regulate synaptic transmission through neurotransmitter uptake and release.
  • Astrocytes contribute to synaptic plasticity and network homeostasis throughout life.

    • Conclusions:

    • Astrocyte-neuron interactions are complex and multifaceted, essential for proper brain function.
    • Understanding the diverse roles of astrocytes is critical for comprehending synaptic behavior and neurological health.