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

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A common role for astrocytes in rhythmic behaviours?

Matthew J Broadhead¹, Gareth B Miles¹

¹School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK.

Progress in Neurobiology

|April 24, 2021

Summary

Astrocytes modulate rhythmic behaviors like breathing and locomotion. This review finds diverse signaling mechanisms, with purinergic gliotransmission commonly used for feedback inhibition in neural networks.

Keywords:

Astrocyte Gliotransmission Locomotion Purines Respiration Rhythmic neural networks

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Systems Biology

Background:

Astrocytes are glial cells supporting neuronal function.
They play roles in metabolic support, structural integrity, and neuromodulation.
Astrocytes are implicated in regulating rhythmic behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

To review astrocytic involvement in six rhythmic behaviors.
To explore how astrocytes integrate into neuronal networks.
To identify gliotransmission mechanisms regulating these behaviors.

Main Methods:

Literature review of astrocytic roles in rhythmic behaviors.
Analysis of astrocytic integration within neural circuits.
Identification of gliotransmission signaling pathways.

Main Results:

Astrocytes are directly involved in regulating locomotion, breathing, chewing, GI motility, sleep-wake cycles, and feeding.
A diverse range of gliotransmission mechanisms are employed.
Purinergic gliotransmission is a common mechanism for feedback inhibition.

Conclusions:

Astrocytes utilize heterogeneous gliotransmission mechanisms to regulate neuronal networks.
Purinergic signaling is a conserved mechanism for feedback inhibition in rhythmic behaviors.
Understanding astrocytic roles provides insight into neural network logic.