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Lookup NU author(s): Neela Codadu
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© 2017 Pirttimaki, Sims et al Astrocytes spontaneously release glutamate (Glut) as a gliotransmitter (GT), resulting in the generation of extrasynaptic NMDARmediated slow inward currents (SICs) in neighboring neurons, which can increase local neuronal excitability. However, there is a deficit in our knowledge of the factors that control spontaneous astrocyte GT release and the extent of its influence. We found that, in rat brain slices, increasing the supply of the physiological transmitter Glut increased the frequency and signaling charge of SICs over an extended period. This phenomenon was replicated by exogenous preexposure to the amino acid D-aspartate (D-Asp). Using D-Asp as a “false” GT, wedetermined the extent of local neuron excitation byGTrelease in ventrobasal thalamus,CA1hippocampus, and somatosensory cortex. By analyzing synchronized neuronal NMDAR-mediated excitation, we found that the properties of the excitation were conserved in different brain areas. In the three areas, astrocyte-derived GT release synchronized groups of neurons at distances of>200μm. Individual neurons participated in more than one synchronized population, indicating that individual neurons can be excited by more than one astrocyte and that individual astrocytes may determine a neuron’s synchronized network. The results confirm that astrocytes can act as excitatory nodes that can influence neurons over a significant range in a number of brain regions. Our findings further suggest that chronic elevation of ambient Glut levels can lead to increased GT Glut release, which may be relevant in some pathological states.
Author(s): Pirttimaki TM, Sims RE, Saunders G, Antonio SA, Codadu NK, Parri HR
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Neuroscience
Year: 2017
Volume: 37
Issue: 41
Pages: 9859-9870
Print publication date: 11/10/2017
Acceptance date: 27/06/2017
Date deposited: 07/11/2017
ISSN (print): 0270-6474
ISSN (electronic): 1529-2401
Publisher: Society for Neuroscience
URL: https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2761-16.2017
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2761-16.2017
PubMed id: 28899919
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