Hemichannels: new roles in astroglial function

Orellana, JA; Stehberg, J

Keywords: calcium waves, astrocytes, connexins, hemichannel, tripartite synapse, brain functions

Abstract

The role of astrocytes in brain function has evolved over the last decade, from support cells to active participants in the neuronal synapse through the release of gliotransmitters. Astrocytes express receptors for most neurotransmitters and respond to them through Ca2+ intracellular oscillations and propagation of intercellular Ca2+ waves. While such waves are able to propagate among neighboring astrocytes through gap junctions, thereby activating several astrocytes simultaneously, they can also trigger the release of gliotransmitters, including glutamate, d-serine, glycine, ATP adenosine, or GABA. There are several mechanisms by which gliotransmitter release occurs, including functional hemichannels. These gliotransmitters can activate neighboring astrocytes and participate in the propagation of intercellular Ca2+ waves, or activate pre- and post-synaptic receptors, including NMDA, AMPA, and purinergic receptors. In consequence, hemichannels could play a pivotal role in astrocyte-to-astrocyte communication and astrocyte-to-neuron cross-talk. Recent evidence suggests that astroglial hemichannels are involved in higher brain functions including memory and glucose sensing. The present review will focus on the role of hemichannels in astrocyte-to-astrocyte and astrocyte-to neuron communication and in brain physiology.

Más información

Título según WOS: Hemichannels: new roles in astroglial function
Título según SCOPUS: Hemichannels: New roles in astroglial function
Título de la Revista: FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
Volumen: 5
Editorial: FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
Fecha de publicación: 2014
Idioma: English
DOI:

10.3389/fphys.2014.00193

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS - ISI