Annual review of physiology
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Annu. Rev. Physiol. · Jan 2010
Biography Historical ArticleA conversation with Rita Levi-Montalcini.
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Annu. Rev. Physiol. · Jan 2010
ReviewIntegrated brain circuits: astrocytic networks modulate neuronal activity and behavior.
The past decade has seen an explosion of research on roles of neuron-astrocyte interactions in the control of brain function. We highlight recent studies performed on the tripartite synapse, the structure consisting of pre- and postsynaptic elements of the synapse and an associated astrocytic process. ⋯ Astrocyte-derived ATP modulates synaptic transmission, either directly or through its metabolic product adenosine. d-serine modulates NMDA receptor function, whereas glia-derived glutamate can play important roles in relapse following withdrawal from drugs of abuse. Cell type-specific molecular genetics has allowed a new level of examination of the function of astrocytes in brain function and has revealed an important role of these glial cells that is mediated by adenosine accumulation in the control of sleep and in cognitive impairments that follow sleep deprivation.