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Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
Published on: October 4, 2018
Neuron-astrocyte coupling in lateral habenula mediates depressive-like behaviors
Qianqian Xin1, Junying Wang1, Jinkun Zheng2
1Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
Stress rapidly activates astrocytes in the lateral habenula (LHb), initiating a feedback loop that influences depression. This neuron-glia interaction highlights astrocytes as key signaling relays in stress response and depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The lateral habenula (LHb) and astrocytes are implicated in depression.
- The dynamic interaction between LHb neurons and astrocytes during depression onset was unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic interaction between LHb neurons and astrocytes during stress-induced depression.
- To elucidate the role of astrocytes in mediating stress responses within the LHb.
Main Methods:
- Multi-brain-region calcium photometry recording in freely moving mice.
- Investigated the role of the α1A-adrenergic receptor in astrocytic calcium signaling.
- Examined the neural network between the LHb and locus coeruleus (LC).
Main Results:
- Stress induced rapid astrocytic calcium rise and bimodal neuronal response in the LHb.
- LHb astrocytic calcium signaling, dependent on the α1A-adrenergic receptor and LHb-LC network, mediated neuronal activation and norepinephrine release via glutamate and ATP/adenosine.
- Activation or inhibition of LHb astrocytic calcium signaling modulated stress-induced depressive-like behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Identified a stress-induced positive feedback loop in the LHb-LC axis involving astrocytes as critical signaling relays.
- This neuron-glia interaction provides insights into stress management and depression prevention strategies.
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