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An astrocyte-dependent mechanism for neuronal rhythmogenesis
Philippe Morquette1, Dorly Verdier1, Aklesso Kadala1
1Département de Neurosciences and Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Nature Neuroscience
|May 5, 2015
Summary
Astrocytes regulate neuronal firing patterns by controlling extracellular calcium (Ca2+). This astrocyte-mediated calcium regulation is crucial for generating rhythmic neural activity essential for functions like mastication.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Astrocytes
Background:
- Neuronal communication relies on adaptable firing patterns.
- Rhythmic neuronal activity is vital for essential functions like respiration and mastication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of astrocytes in regulating neuronal rhythmic firing patterns.
- To determine the mechanism by which astrocytes control neuronal activity in the trigeminal sensori-motor circuit.
Main Methods:
- Studied the rat trigeminal sensori-motor circuit.
- Manipulated extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]e) using chelators and S100β protein.
- Observed neuronal firing patterns in response to sensory stimuli and experimental interventions.
Main Results:
- Astrocytes actively regulate extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]e).
- Blocking astrocyte calcium regulation with a chelator abolished neuronal rhythmic bursting.
- Restoration of extracellular calcium regulation with S100β protein or blockade with anti-S100β antibody modulated neuronal rhythmic activity.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes play a critical role in regulating a fundamental neuronal property: the capacity to alter firing patterns.
- Astrocyte-mediated control of extracellular calcium is essential for generating rhythmic neuronal activity.
- These findings have significant implications for understanding neural networks involved in rhythmic functions.
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