Astrocytes as Active Participants of Glutamatergic Function and Regulators of its Homeostasis

Recent findings are suggesting that glia plays also dynamic roles and actively participates in synaptic function and processing of information in the brain.

Abstract

Traditionally, glial cells have been considered as supportive elements for neuronal development, function, and survival. However, recent findings are modifying this view, suggesting that glia plays also dynamic roles and actively participates in synaptic function and processing of information in the brain. Astrocytes, the most abundant type of glia in the CNS, are intimately interconnected with nerve cells, and their processes often enwrap synaptic specializations (Pfrieger and Barres, 1996). Their plasma membranes are endowed with a variety of specific transporter proteins which take up synaptically released neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA and tightly control their extracellular concentration (e.g. see Chaudry et al., 1995).