Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis
and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in …

The identification of the presence of active signaling between astrocytes and neurons in a
process termed gliotransmission has caused a paradigm shift in our thinking about brain …

The term 'tripartite synapse'refers to a concept in synaptic physiology based on the
demonstration of the existence of bidirectional communication between astrocytes and …

Accumulating evidence indicates that astrocytes are actively involved in brain function by
regulating synaptic activity and plasticity. Different gliotransmitters, such as glutamate, ATP …

Astrocyte Ca2+ signalling has been proposed to link neuronal information in different spatial–
temporal dimensions to achieve a higher level of brain integration. However, some …

Astrocytes participate in all essential CNS functions, including blood flow regulation, energy
metabolism, ion and water homeostasis, immune defence, neurotransmission, and adult …

For decades, astrocytes have been considered to be non-excitable support cells of the brain.
However, this view has changed radically during the past twenty years. The recent …

This review is focused on purinergic neurotransmission, ie, ATP released from nerves as a
transmitter or cotransmitter to act as an extracellular signaling molecule on both pre-and …

From a structural perspective, the predominant glial cell of the central nervous system, the
astrocyte, is positioned to regulate synaptic transmission and neurovascular coupling: the …

Synaptic plasticity is the capacity of a preexisting connection between two neurons to
change in strength as a function of neural activity. Because synaptic plasticity is the major …