Role of astrocytes in rhythmic motor activity

Rhythmic motor activities such as breathing, locomotion, tremor, or mastication are organized by groups of interconnected neurons. Most synapses in the central nervous system are in close apposition with processes belonging to astrocytes. Neurotransmitters released from neurons bind to receptors expressed by astrocytes, activating a signaling pathway that leads to an increase in calcium concentration and the release of gliotransmitters that eventually modulate synaptic transmission. It is therefore likely that the activation of astrocytes impacts motor control. Here we review recent studies demonstrating that astrocytes inhibit, modulate, or trigger motor rhythmic behaviors.