Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026
10:53
Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Nerve
Published on: October 8, 2014
15.1K
Optogenetic Interneuron Stimulation and Calcium Imaging in Astrocytes
Gabriele Losi1,2, Anna Maria Lia3, Marta Gomez-Gonzalo4,3
1Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy. gabriele.losi@bio.unipd.it.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|January 24, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a new method to observe calcium (Ca2+) signals in astrocyte fine processes. This allows for better understanding of how astrocytes interact with neurons, particularly inhibitory interneurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Glial Cell Research
Background:
- Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells, dynamically interact with neurons in brain networks.
- Astrocyte calcium (Ca2+) elevations modulate local brain circuits.
- Previous studies were limited to somatic and perisomatic regions of astrocytes, neglecting fine protrusions near synapses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a protocol for investigating astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in fine subcellular compartments.
- To examine astrocyte Ca2+ responses to somatostatin (SST)-expressing interneurons.
Main Methods:
- Utilized viral vector gene delivery of genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECI).
- Employed optogenetics for precise neural control.
- Applied multiphoton laser scanning microscopy for high-resolution imaging.
- Combined these techniques to study astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in response to SST interneurons.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated a protocol to study astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in fine protrusions.
- Enabled investigation of Ca2+ dynamics in previously understudied subcellular compartments.
- Provided insights into astrocyte-interneuron communication.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol overcomes technical limitations in studying astrocyte Ca2+ signaling.
- Facilitates detailed analysis of astrocyte Ca2+ dynamics in fine processes.
- Enhances understanding of astrocyte modulation of neuronal circuits, especially involving inhibitory interneurons.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
480
Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
480
01:29Stimulants
1.0K
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
1.0K
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
6.0K
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
6.0K
01:27Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate
1.2K
Calcium and phosphate are essential electrolytes in the human body, with calcium being the most abundant mineral. Around 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the skeleton and teeth, forming a crystal lattice of mineral salts in combination with phosphates. Calcium plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle tone maintenance, and nervous and muscle tissue excitability.
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily...
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily...
1.2K
01:27Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
4.0K
Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
4.0K
01:20Motor Unit Stimulation
3.8K
When the neuron of a motor unit fires an action potential, it triggers a series of events, leading to a twitch contraction in the muscle fibers. The process of excitation-contraction coupling is crucial in relaying the action potential to the muscle fibers.
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
3.8K