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Astrocytogenic bidirectional plasticity at spinal nociceptive synapses regulates acute nociceptive processing.
Sibel Ada1, Laura Klinger, Hannah L Teuchmann
1Division of Neurophysiology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria.
Pain
|September 2, 2025
Summary
Astrocytes actively regulate pain by altering synaptic plasticity in the spinal cord. They can suppress or amplify pain signals, demonstrating a dynamic role in acute nociception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Astrocytes are implicated in chronic pain mechanisms.
- The role of astrocytes in acute nociception is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of astrocytes in acute nociception.
- To understand how astrocytes modulate spinal nociceptive circuits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized chemogenetic tools to mimic astrocytic G-protein-coupled receptor signaling.
- Examined synaptic plasticity at nociceptive synapses in the dorsal horn.
Main Results:
- Astrocytes induce bidirectional plasticity at nociceptive synapses.
- Astrocytes can suppress nociception via glycinergic tone or amplify it through microglial interactions.
- This regulation is dependent on synaptic state and afferent input.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes are active regulators of spinal plasticity in acute pain.
- They integrate sensory information and network states to shape real-time pain perception.
- Challenges the view of astrocytes as passive neuronal supporters.
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