Astrocyte-neuron interactions: implications for epilepsy

EE Benarroch - Neurology, 2009 - AAN Enterprises
EE Benarroch
Neurology, 2009AAN Enterprises
Astrocytes provide metabolic support to neurons and are critical for homeostasis of the
neuronal microenvironment, including maintenance of a low interstitial glutamate
concentration and control of the volume of brain interstitial volume, extracellular potassium
(K) concentration, and local blood flow. Bidirectional communication between neurons and
astrocytes at the synapses may have a critical role in regulating chemical
neurotransmission. Whereas the initial concepts on astrocyte signaling were based on …
Astrocytes provide metabolic support to neurons and are critical for homeostasis of the neuronal microenvironment, including maintenance of a low interstitial glutamate concentration and control of the volume of brain interstitial volume, extracellular potassium (K) concentration, and local blood flow. Bidirectional communication between neurons and astrocytes at the synapses may have a critical role in regulating chemical neurotransmission. Whereas the initial concepts on astrocyte signaling were based on studies on cultured astroglia, new imaging and electrophysiologic methods applied to brain slices and the development of genetically modified mice models have provided further insight into mechanisms of the reciprocal neuron-astrocyte interactions. Given their critical role in maintenance of neuronal microenvironment and modulation of excitatory synapses, astrocytes have been implicated in mechanisms of neuronal and neuronal network hyperexcitability underlying epilepsy. These topics have been covered in several recent excellent reviews. 1-9, 24
American Academy of Neurology