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Chemical Synapses

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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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The Synapse

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Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Single Synapse Indicators of Glutamate Release and Uptake in Acute Brain Slices from Normal and Huntington Mice

Single Synapse Indicators of Glutamate Release and Uptake in Acute Brain Slices from Normal and Huntington Mice

Published on: March 11, 2020

The tripartite glutamatergic synapse.

Ulyana Lalo¹, Wuhyun Koh², C Justin Lee²

¹School of Life Sciences, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia.

Neuropharmacology

|August 25, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Astrocytes, once viewed as passive support cells, are now recognized as active participants in brain information processing. Their glutamate receptor interactions with neurons significantly shape synaptic signaling and brain computation.

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Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration

Published on: July 31, 2013

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cellular Biology
Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

Astrocytes were traditionally considered solely as structural and metabolic support cells in the brain.
Recent discoveries highlight astrocyte responsiveness to glutamate and their ability to release receptor agonists, revolutionizing understanding of glia-neuron communication.
Astrocytes are now integral to glutamatergic synapses, playing a crucial role in brain computation.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the multifaceted roles of astroglial glutamate receptors in modulating neuronal activity.
To elucidate the mechanisms underlying bi-directional glutamatergic communication between astrocytes and neurons.
To investigate the implications of astrocyte-neuron glutamatergic signaling in neurological diseases.

Main Methods:

Investigated astroglial glutamate receptor subtypes (NMDA, mGluR3, mGluR5) activation.
Examined molecular cascades triggered by astroglial receptor activation.
Analyzed the impact of astrocyte-neuron glutamatergic interactions on synaptic signaling.
Considered the role of astrocyte-released glutamate and d-Serine.

Main Results:

Astroglial glutamate receptors modulate extracellular glutamate levels and neuronal glutamate receptor activity.
Astrocytes, via perisynaptic processes, interact directly with individual excitatory synapses.
Bi-directional glutamatergic communication enriches information processing in neuronal networks.

Conclusions:

Astrocyte-neuron glutamatergic interactions are fundamental to complex brain computation.
Further research is essential to fully understand the mechanisms and physiological significance of these interactions.
Aberrant glutamatergic astroglial signaling is implicated in both neuroprotection and pathogenesis of neurological disorders.