Astrocytic neurotransmitter receptors in situ and in vivo

Ammonia-induced extracellular accumulation of taurine in the rat striatum in vivo: role of ionotropic glutamate receptors

Accumulation of taurine (Tau), glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln) was measured in vivo in microdialysates of the rat striatum following a direct application to the microdialysis tube of 60 mM ammonium chloride which renders the final ammonia concentration in the extracellular space to approximately 5 mM. The following compounds were coadministered with ammonia to distinguish between the different mechanisms that may underlie the accumulation of amino acids: ion transport inhibitors, diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DIDS) and furosemide, a Glu transport inhibitor L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (PDC), an NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) and an 2-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA)/kainate (KA) receptor antagonist 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX). Ammonia stimulated Tau accumulation in the microdialysates to approximately 250% of the basal value. Furosemide did not significantly affect the stimulation by ammonia and DIDS only moderately depressed the effect. The ammonia-dependent Tau accumulation was increased by approximately 50% in the presence of PDC and reduced by approximately 35% in the presence dizocilpine and DNQX. In the microdialysates ammonia stimulated Glu and Gln accumulation somewhat less than Tau accumulation. Except for stimulation of Gln accumulation by DNQX, the effects were not modified by any of the cotreatments. The results are consistent with the assumption that ammonia stimulates Tau efflux mainly via activation of ionotropic Glu receptors.

Hippocampal astrocytes in situ exhibit calcium oscillations that occur independent of neuronal activity

Results presented in this study indicate that a large subpopulation (approximately 65%) of hippocampal astrocytes in situ exhibit calcium oscillations in the absence of neuronal activity. Further, the spontaneous oscillations observed within individual hippocampal astrocytes generally developed asynchronously throughout the astrocyte's fine processes and occasionally spread through a portion of that astrocyte as a calcium wave but do not appear to spread among astrocytes as an intercellular calcium wave. Bath application of cyclopiazonic acid and injection of individual astrocytes with heparin blocked astrocytic calcium oscillations. Application of tetrodotoxin or incubation of slices with bafilomycin A1 had no effect on astrocytic calcium oscillations but did block evoked and spontaneous postsynaptic currents measured in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Application of a cocktail of antagonists for metabotropic glutamate receptors and purinergic receptors had no effect on the astrocytic calcium oscillations but blocked the ability of purinergic and metabotropic glutamatergic agonists to increase astrocytic calcium levels. These results indicate that the spontaneous calcium oscillations observed in hippocampal astrocytes in situ are mediated by IP3 receptor activation, are not dependent on neuronal activity, and do not depend on activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors or purinergic receptors. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that astrocytes in situ exhibit intrinsic signaling. This finding supports the hypothesis that astrocytes, independent of neuronal input, may act as pacemakers to modulate neuronal activity in situ.

Alpha 1-adrenergic modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor-induced calcium oscillations and glutamate release in astrocytes

Astrocytic responses to activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors group I (mGluRs I) and alpha(1)-adrenoreceptors in cultured cells have been assessed using spectral analyzes and calcium imaging. Concentration-dependent changes were observed after stimulation with the mGluR I agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG). These responses changed from a regular low frequency signal with sharp peaks at 1 microm to a pronounced stage of irregularity at 10 microm. After stimulation with 100 microm the signal was again homogenous in shape and regularity but occurred at a higher frequency. In contrast, the spectral properties after stimulation with the alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor agonist phenylephrine, exhibited considerable variation for all investigated concentrations. DHPG-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) were also associated with astroglial glutamate release, whereas no release was observed after noradrenergic stimulation. Both DHPG-mediated calcium signaling and glutamate release were inhibited by preincubation with 10 or 100 microm phenylephrine. Collectively, the present investigation provides new information about the spatial-temporal characteristics of astroglial intracellular calcium responses and demonstrates distinct differences between noradrenergic and glutamatergic receptors regarding intracellular calcium signaling and coupling to glutamate release. The noradrenergic modulation of DHPG-induced responses indicates that intracellular astroglial processes can be regulated in a bi-directional feedback loop between closely connected astrocytes and neurons in the central nervous system.

Mitochondrial polarization in rat hippocampal astrocytes is resistant to cytosolic Ca(2+) loads

The influence of physiological Ca(2+)-inducing stimuli and agents mimicking ischemic conditions on mitochondrial potential was studied in postnatal (P1) hippocampal astrocytes. Cytosolic Ca(2+) loads with characteristic kinetics of rise and duration, detected by Fura-2, were provoked by extracellular Ca(2+) influx, release from InsP(3)-sensitive intracellular stores, or inhibition of the reloading of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) stores. Inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration caused only moderate release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores, inducing a rise of less than 60 nM. The maximal Ca(2+) rise was found with InsP(3)-mediated responses (500 nM; via ATP) or with ionophore (4-Br-A23187)-mediated Ca(2+) influx from extracellular medium (770 nM). Remarkably, all these agents causing significant rise of cytosolic Ca(2+), only minimally depolarized the mitochondria. Membrane potential of mitochondria was monitored by Rh123 or TMRE. Depolarization was only found with very high cytosolic Ca(2+) levels (above 60 microM; measured by fura FF). These were achieved with external Ca(2+) influx by ionophore in combination with inhibition of glycolysis. Thus, mitochondria in the astrocytes are obviously not sensitive to moderate cytosolic Ca(2+) loads, irrespective of the source of Ca(2+). Furthermore, isolated rat brain mitochondria display a low sensitivity of respiratory activity to Ca(2+), which is consistent with the data obtained with the astrocytes in vitro. The capacity of isolated mitochondria to build up a potential was gradually reduced at low micromolar Ca(2+) and totally compromised only at Ca(2+) concentrations in the 100 microM range.

Endothelin-1 decreases glutamate uptake in primary cultured rat astrocytes

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide that is also known to induce a wide spectrum of biological responses in nonvascular tissue. In this study, we found that ET-1 (100 nM) inhibited the glutamate uptake in cultured astrocytes expressing the glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST); astrocytes did not express the glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1). The V(max) and the K(m) of the glutamate uptake were reduced by 57% and 47%, respectively. Application of the ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonists BQ-123 and BQ-788 partly inhibited the ET-1-evoked decrease in the glutamate uptake, whereas the nonspecific ET receptor antagonist bosentan completely inhibited this decrease. Incubation of the cultures with pertussis toxin abolished the effect of ET-1 on the uptake. The ET-1-induced decrease in the glutamate uptake was independent of extracellular free Ca(2+) concentration, whereas the intracellular Ca(2+) antagonists thapsigargin and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino)octyl ester abolished the effect of ET-1 on the glutamate uptake. Incubation with the protein kinase C (PKC) antagonist staurosporine, but not with the fatty acid-binding protein bovine serum albumin, prevented the ET-1-induced decrease in the glutamate uptake. These results suggest that ET-1 impairs the high-affinity glutamate uptake in cultured astrocytes through a G protein-coupled mechanism, involving PKC and changes in intracellular Ca(2+).

Rapid morphological changes in astrocytes are accompanied by redistribution but not by quantitative changes of cytoskeletal proteins

Astrocytes have the potential to acquire very different morphologies, depending on their regional location in the CNS and on their functional interactions with other cell types. Morphological changes between a flat or a fibroblast-like and a stellate or process-bearing appearance, and vice versa, can occur rapidly, but very little is known as to whether morphological transformations are based on quantitative changes of cytoskeletal proteins in microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and/or microtubules. Using a cell culture of selective type 1 astrocytes, we compared the distribution and protein amounts of a number of cytoskeletal proteins both during primary process growth induced by specific media conditions and after secondary transformations induced by dBcAMP. Our data presented in this report support the idea that astrocytes can undergo dramatic changes in their morphology requiring subcellular redistribution of most cytoskeletal proteins but no quantitative modifications of the amount of the respective proteins. After pharmacological treatment with lysophosphatic acid and genistein we show that astrocytes can acquire intermediate morphologies reminiscent of both fibroblast and stellate-like cells. These experiments demonstrate that the recently described RhoA-mediated signaling cascade between the cell surface and cytoskeletal proteins is only one of several signaling pathways acting on the astrocytic cytoskeleton.

Differential mechanisms of Ca2+ responses in glial cells evoked by exogenous and endogenous glutamate in rat hippocampus

The mechanisms of Ca2+ responses evoked in hippocampal glial cells in situ, by local application of glutamate and by synaptic activation, were studied in slices from juvenile rats using the membrane permeant fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fluo-3AM and confocal microscopy. Ca2+ responses induced by local application of glutamate were unaffected by the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin and were therefore due to direct actions on glial cells. Glutamate-evoked responses were significantly reduced by the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nimodipine, the group I/II metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist (S)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG), and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (+/-)2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (APV). However, glutamate-induced Ca2+ responses were not significantly reduced by the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). These results indicate that local application of glutamate increases intracellular Ca2+ levels in glial cells via the activation of L-type Ca2+ channels, NMDA receptors, and metabotropic glutamate receptors. Brief (1 s) tetanization of Schaffer collaterals produced increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels in glial cells that were dependent on the frequency of stimulation (> or =50 Hz) and on synaptic transmission (abolished by tetrodotoxin). These Ca2+ responses were also antagonized by the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nimodipine and the metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist MCPG. However, the non-NMDA receptor antagonist CNQX significantly reduced the Schaffer collateral-evoked Ca2+ responses, while the NMDA antagonist APV did not. Thus, these synaptically mediated Ca2+ responses in glial cells involve the activation of L-type Ca2+ channels, group I/II metabotropic glutamate receptors, and non-NMDA receptors. These findings indicate that increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels induced in glial cells by local glutamate application and by synaptic activity share similar mechanisms (activation of L-type Ca2+ channels and group I/II metabotropic glutamate receptors) but also have distinct components (NMDA vs. non-NMDA receptor activation, respectively). Therefore, neuron-glia interactions in rat hippocampus in situ involve multiple, complex Ca2+-mediated processes that may not be mimicked by local glutamate application.

Atypical neuroleptic drugs downregulate dopamine sensitivity in rat cortical and striatal astrocytes

Psychotic symptoms in different neuropsychiatric disorders are treated by neuroleptic drugs. Neuroleptics are known to block dopamine (DA) neurotransmission, however, cell types mediating their actions have not been determined. Recently, astrocytes have been demonstrated to express D1- and D2-DA receptors, whose activation leads to transient increases in intracellular calcium concentration. We show here that DA-sensitivity of cortical and striatal rat astroglial cultures, as monitored by calcium imaging, is reduced by a 12-h exposure to the atypical antipsychotic agents Clozapine (>1 nmol/liter), Olanzapine (>100 nmol/liter), and Risperidone (>1 nmol/liter), but not by classical neuroleptics Haloperidol and Sulpiride. These effects could not be reverted by the receptor-specific antagonists SCH23390, Sulpiride, L745 870, Ergotamine, and Propranolol. In addition, RT-PCR and Western blot analyses concerning the effects of Clozapine, Olanzapine, and Risperidone on DA receptor expression in cortical and striatal astroglial cells revealed no alterations in mRNAs and immunoreactive protein of D1- and D2-DA receptor subtypes. These results provide the first evidence that atypical but not classical neuroleptic drugs reduce astroglial DA-sensitivity, a mechanism that may be important for a better understanding of differences in effects and side effects between atypical and classical neuroleptic drugs.

Ionotropic and metabotropic GABA and glutamate receptors in primate basal ganglia

The functions of glutamate and GABA in the CNS are mediated by ionotropic and metabotropic, G protein-coupled, receptors. Both receptor families are widely expressed in basal ganglia structures in primates and nonprimates. The recent development of highly specific antibodies and/or cDNA probes allowed the better characterization of the cellular localization of various GABA and glutamate receptor subtypes in the primate basal ganglia. Furthermore, the use of high resolution immunogold techniques at the electron microscopic level led to major breakthroughs in our understanding of the subsynaptic and subcellular localization of these receptors in primates. In this review, we will provide a detailed account of the current knowledge of the localization of these receptors in the basal ganglia of humans and monkeys.

Dynamic signaling between astrocytes and neurons

Astrocytes, a sub-type of glia in the central nervous system, are dynamic signaling elements that integrate neuronal inputs, exhibit calcium excitability, and can modulate neighboring neurons. Neuronal activity can lead to neurotransmitter-evoked activation of astrocytic receptors, which mobilizes their internal calcium. Elevations in astrocytic calcium in turn trigger the release of chemical transmitters from astrocytes, which can cause sustained modulatory actions on neighboring neurons. Astrocytes, and perisynaptic Schwann cells, by virtue of their intimate association with synapses, are strategically positioned to regulate synaptic transmission. This capability, that has now been demonstrated in several studies, raises the untested possibility that astrocytes are an integral element of the circuitry for synaptic plasticity. Because the highest ratio of glia-to-neurons is found at the top of the phylogenetic tree in the human brain, these recent demonstrations of dynamic bi-directional signaling between astrocytes and neurons leave us with the question as to whether astrocytes are key regulatory elements of higher cortical functions.

Synapse-glia interactions at the mammalian neuromuscular junction

Perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs) play critical roles in regulating and stabilizing nerve terminals at the mammalian neuromuscular junction (NMJ). However, although these functions are likely regulated by the synaptic properties, the interactions of PSCs with the synaptic elements are not known. Therefore, our goal was to study the interactions between mammalian PSCs in situ and the presynaptic terminals using changes in intracellular Ca(2+) as an indicator of cell activity. Motor nerve stimulation induced an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) in PSCs, and this increase was greatly reduced when transmitter release was blocked. Furthermore, local application of acetylcholine induced Ca(2+) responses that were blocked by the muscarinic antagonist atropine and mimicked by the muscarinic agonist muscarine. The nicotinic antagonist alpha-bungarotoxin had no effect on Ca(2+) responses induced by acetylcholine. Local application of the cotransmitter ATP induced Ca(2+) responses that were unaffected by the P2 antagonist suramin, whereas local application of adenosine induced Ca(2+) responses that were greatly reduced by the A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine (CPT). However, the presence of the A1 antagonist in the perfusate did not block responses induced by ATP. Ca(2+) responses evoked by stimulation of the motor nerve were reduced in the presence of CPT, whereas atropine almost completely abolished them. Ca(2+) responses were further reduced when both antagonists were present simultaneously. Hence, PSCs at the mammalian NMJ respond to the release of neurotransmitter induced by stimulation of the motor nerve through the activation of muscarinic and adenosine A1 receptors.

Cerebellar alterations induced by chronic hypoxia: an immunohistochemical study using a chick embryonic model

A model of fetal aerogenic hypoxia was developed in which fertilized chicken eggs were half-painted with melted wax and incubated under normal conditions. The cerebellum of the hypoxic chick embryos at a later stage of development (E18-20) was analyzed immunochemically. Hypoxic insult resulted in considerable neurocytological deficits of the Purkinje cells and altered glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity in the fetal cerebellum. Purkinje cells in the hypoxic embryos were marked by small cell size, poorly developed dendrites, low cell density, deletion and ectopia. On the other hand, enhanced GFAP immunoreactivity was found in astrocytes and Bergmann glia of the hypoxic embryos. Our results indicate that chronic hypoxia in the chick fetus can cause severe disorders of neuronal development as well as glial activation. We suggest that our hypoxic model of chick embryos could be an accessible animal model for further elucidating fetal hypoxia.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in neuroglia? Immunoelectron microscopic localization in astrocytes of the rat mesencephalon

The dorsal region of the rat interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) was found highly immunoreactive for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). This area appeared as a cap-like structure at the midcaudal level of the nucleus. Unlike other brain areas, however, VIP immunoreactivity within the "cap" appeared vaguely punctuate with no light microscopically identifiable cell structures. Ultrastructurally, a dense meshwork of VIP-immunopositive bouton-laden axons was revealed. Labeled neuronal perikarya were not encountered. Some lightly immunoreactive dendrites were observed. In addition, immunopositive glial profiles were frequently seen. Perikarya and numerous fine processes, occasionally perivascular, identified as astroglia by established ultrastructural criteria, exhibited VIP immunoreactivity. Constant feature of the peptide immunolocalization was the predilection for the intermediate filament bundles of astrocytic perikarya and processes. This was usually accompanied by a thick coating of the inner aspect of glial plasmalemma and, in perikarya, by highly reactive vesicular profiles. Glial immunopositive elements were never seen beyond the boundaries of the diffuse "cap." In view of the repertoire of metabolic, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective mechanisms in which VIP neurons are involved in conjunction with astroglia, the presence of VIP-immunoreactive astrocytes in a circumscribed area, confirms the heterogeneity of astrocyte populations.

Is there an astrocyte-neuron ketone body shuttle?

Ketone bodies can replace glucose as the major source of brain energy when glucose becomes scarce. Although it is generally assumed that the liver supplies extrahepatic tissues with ketone bodies, recent evidence shows that astrocytes are also ketogenic cells. Moreover, the partitioning of fatty acids between ketogenesis and ceramide synthesis de novo might control the survival/death decision of neural cells. These findings support the notion that astrocytes might supply neurons with ketone bodies in situ, and raise the possibility that astrocyte ketogenesis is a cytoprotective pathway.

Glial transporters for glutamate, glycine, and GABA III. Glycine transporters

Glial cells possess transport systems for the three major amino acid neurotransmitters glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine, involved in the arrest of neurotransmission mediated by these compounds. Two glycine transporters have been cloned: GLYT1, mainly expressed by glial cells and shown to colocalize with NMDA receptors, and GLYT2, exclusively expressed by neurons and colocalized with the inhibitory glycine receptors. The way in which the regulation of extracellular glycine concentration by glial glycine transporters affects physiological and pathological conditions is discussed. The presence, differential pharmacology and specific regulation of glycine transporters in glial cells strongly support an important role for glia in the modulation of both, excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission.

The link between excitotoxic oligodendroglial death and demyelinating diseases

Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of CNS axons, are highly vulnerable to excitotoxic signals mediated by glutamate receptors of the AMPA and kainate classes. Receptors in these cells are commonly activated by glutamate that is released from axons and glial cells. In addition, oligodendrocytes contribute to the control of extracellular glutamate levels by means of their own transporters. However, acute and chronic alterations in glutamate homeostasis can result in overactivation of AMPA and kainate receptors and subsequent excitotoxic oligodendroglial death. Furthermore, demyelinating lesions caused by excitotoxins can be similar to those observed in multiple sclerosis. This, together with the effect of AMPA and kainate receptor antagonists in ameliorating the neurological score of animals with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (an animal model of multiple sclerosis), indicates that oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity could be involved in the pathogenesis of demyelinating disorders.

Lactation decreases angiotensinogen mRNA expression in the midcaudal arcuate nucleus of the rat brain

In lactating rats, ANG II receptor binding in the arcuate nucleus (ARH) and median eminence is decreased. To further evaluate brain angiotensinergic activity during lactation, we assessed angiotensinogen (AON) mRNA by in situ hybridization in forebrains of day 10 or 11 postpartum lactating and diestrous rats. AON mRNA was abundantly expressed in the ARH, preoptic, suprachiasmatic, supraoptic, paraventricular, and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei, and other regions, similar to that reported in male rat brains. AON mRNA levels were decreased 27% in the midcaudal ARH of lactating rats but did not differ between lactating or diestrous rats in any of the other brain areas examined. Immunofluorescence for AON and glial fibrillary acidic protein or tyrosine hydroxylase confirmed that the AON immunoreactivity in the ARH was limited to astrocytes. Confocal microscopy revealed close appositions of AON-positive astrocytes to dopaminergic neurons in the ARH. The decrease in AON mRNA in the midcaudal ARH during lactation coupled with decreased ARH ANG II receptor binding suggests that lactating rats are less subject to ANG II-mediated inhibition of prolactin secretion.

GLIA: listening and talking to the synapse

Glial cells are emerging from the background to become more prominent in our thinking about integration in the nervous system. Given that glial cells associated with synapses integrate neuronal inputs and can release transmitters that modulate synaptic activity, it is time to rethink our understanding of the wiring diagram of the nervous system. It is no longer appropriate to consider solely neuron-neuron connections; we also need to develop a view of the intricate web of active connections among glial cells, and between glia and neurons. Without such a view, it might be impossible to decode the language of the brain.

Astrocytes degenerate in frontotemporal dementia: possible relation to hypoperfusion

To understand the extent and specificity of astrocyte pathology in sporadic frontotemporal dementia (FTD), we examined several FTD cases for molecular and morphologic characteristics of astrocyte degeneration. We quantified reactive and degenerating astrocytes in sections of frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital cortex identified using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) labeling, and morphological characteristics and compared them with nondemented, age-matched control brains. Conventional and confocal microscopy revealed that a subpopulation of GFAP(+) astrocytes exhibited positive TdT labeling and beading of their processes in the frontal, temporal, and parietal cortices in 5 of 7 FTD cases that also exhibited gliosis. This morphology was reproduced in cultured astrocytes using ischemic insults. Degenerating astrocytes in FTD correlated inversely with cerebral blood flow as measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) analysis of (133)Xe inhalation (r = 0.55, p < 0.05). Furthermore, areas of significant astrogliosis corresponded to areas of SPECT hypoperfusion, suggesting that astrocytes may be affected by or perhaps have a causal role in the disturbances of cerebral perfusion in FTD.

Transient NMDA receptor inactivation provides long-term protection to cultured cortical neurons from a variety of death signals

NMDA receptor antagonists, such as (+)-5-methyl-10, 11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK-801), potently block glutamate-induced neuronal death in myriad in vitro cell models and effectively attenuate ischemic damage in vivo. In this report, a novel role for MK-801 and other NMDA receptor antagonists in preconditioning neurons to withstand a wide range of subsequent lethal insults is described. A brief 30 min exposure to 0.1 microM MK-801, applied up to 96 hr before a "lethal" insult, protected primary cortical neurons from a diverse group of neurotoxic agents, including NMDA, beta-amyloid, staurosporine, etoposide, and oxygen-glucose deprivation. This neuroprotective preconditioning by MK-801 arose from transient NMDA receptor inactivation, because the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists memantine and nylindin and the competitive antagonist AP-5 gave similar effects. MK-801 protection was dependent on new protein synthesis during the first 2 hr, but not from 2 to 5 hr, after MK-801 exposure. The MK-801 transient did not alter the ability of NMDA to trigger normally lethal [Ca(2+)](i) influx 48 hr later, but it did block early downstream signaling events coupled to NMDA neurotoxicity, including PKC inactivation and the activation of calpain. Moreover, MK-801 protected neurons from staurosporine-induced apoptosis, although caspase activation in these cells was unimpeded. It is likely that the stress associated with transient inactivation of NMDA receptors triggered a rapid compensatory survival response that provided long-term protection from a spectrum of insults, inducing apoptotic and nonapoptotic death. The possibility that MK-801 preconditioning blocks an event common to seemingly diverse death mechanisms suggests it will be an important tool for obtaining a clearer understanding of the salient molecular events at work in neuronal death and survival pathways.

Differential gene expression profiling in human brain tumors

Gene expression profiling of three human temporal lobe brain tissue samples (normal) and four primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors using oligonucleotide microarrays was done. Moreover, confirmation of altered expression was performed by whole cell patch clamp, immunohistochemical staining, and RT-PCR. Our results identified several ion and solute transport-related genes, such as N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA)-2 receptors, GABA(A) receptor subunits alpha3, beta1, beta2, and beta3, the glutamate transporter, the glutamate/aspartate transporter II, the potassium channel K(V)2.1, hK(V)beta3, and the sodium/proton exchanger 1 (NHE-1), that are all downregulated in the tumors compared with the normal tissues. In contrast, aquaporin-1, possibly aquaporins-3 and -5, and GLUT-3 message appeared upregulated in the tumors. Our results also confirmed previous work showing that osteopontin, nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, murine double minute 2 (MDM2), and epithelin (granulin) are upregulated in GBMs. We also demonstrate for the first time that the cytokine and p53 binding protein, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), appears upregulated in GBMs. These results indicate that the modulation of ion and solute transport genes and heretofore unsuspected cytokines (i.e., MIF) may have profound implications for brain tumor cell biology and thus may identify potential useful therapeutic targets in GBMs.

Inducible ablation of astrocytes shows that these cells are required for neuronal survival in the adult brain

To study the function of astrocytes in the adult brain, we have targeted the expression of E. coli nitroreductase (NTR) to the astrocytes of transgenic mice under the control of the GFAP promoter. The astrocytes expressing NTR were selectively ablated after administration of the prodrug CB1954, resulting in motor discoordination. Histological examination showed that the region most affected in the brain was the cerebellum, in which the Bergmann glia were eliminated and the granular neurons had degenerated. Specific effects were also noted on the dendrites of the Purkinje cells, and the junction between these neurons and granular layer was disrupted. Astrocyte ablation was associated with a dramatic decrease in the expression of glutamate transporters, which may account for the degeneration of granular neurons since the excitotoxic effects of glutamate result in a similar phenotype. These results provide the first evidence that astrocytes are important for the survival of neurons in the adult brain in vivo.

Reciprocal communication systems between astrocytes and neurones

Over the past decade, a growing body of evidence has emerged on the existence in the brain of a close bidirectional communication system between neurones and astrocytes. This article reviews recent advances in understanding the rules governing these interactions and describes putative, novel functions attributable to astrocytes in neuronal transmission. Astrocytes can respond to the neurotransmitter released from active synaptic terminals, with cytosolic Ca(2+) oscillations whose frequency is under the dynamic control of neuronal activity. In response to these neuronal signals, astrocytes can signal back to neurones by releasing various neurone active compounds, such as the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Interestingly, there is accumulating evidence that glutamate is released via a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism which may share common properties with neurotransmitter exocytosis in neurones. This bidirectional communication system between neurones and astrocytes may lead to profound changes in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. While there clearly is an enormous amount of experimental and theoretical work yet to figure out, a coherent view is now emerging which incorporates the astrocyte, with the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic target neurone, as a possible third functional element of the synapse.

What role(s) for TGFalpha in the central nervous system?

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family with which it shares the same receptor, the EGF receptor (EGFR or erbB1). Identified since 1985 in the central nervous system (CNS), its functions in this organ have started to be determined during the past decade although numerous questions remain unanswered. TGFalpha is widely distributed in the nervous system, both glial and neuronal cells contributing to its synthesis. Although astrocytes appear as its main targets, mediating in part TGFalpha effects on different neuronal populations, results from different studies have raised the possibility for a direct action of this growth factor on neurons. A large array of experimental data have thus pointed to TGFalpha as a multifunctional factor in the CNS. This review is an attempt to present, in a comprehensive manner, the very diverse works performed in vitro and in vivo which have provided evidences for (i) an intervention of TGFalpha in the control of developmental events such as neural progenitors proliferation/cell fate choice, neuronal survival/differentiation, and neuronal control of female puberty onset, (ii) its role as a potent regulator of astroglial metabolism including astrocytic reactivity, (iii) its neuroprotective potential, and (iv) its participation to neuropathological processes as exemplified by astroglial neoplasia. In addition, informations regarding the complex modes of TGFalpha action at the molecular level are provided, and its place within the large EGF family is precised with regard to the potential interactions and substitutions which may take place between TGFalpha and its kindred.

Survival and differentiation of dopaminergic mesencephalic neurons are promoted by dopamine-mediated induction of FGF-2 in striatal astroglial cells

Survival of dopaminergic (DAergic) midbrain neurons during development and after lesioning depends, in part, on the presence of astroglia-derived growth factors, as, e.g., fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2. Astrocytes express DA receptors in a brain-region-specific manner. We show here that DA (10(-3) to 10(-6) mol/liter) applied continuously for 12 h or as a 10-min pulse significantly upregulates FGF-2 immunoreactivity quantified by Western blot and densitometry in astrocytes cultured from two target areas of DAergic neurons, striatum and cortex, but not in mesencephalic astroglia. Semiquantitative competitive RT-PCR confirmed the increase in FGF-2 on the mRNA level. The effects were specific in that glutamate, which can also activate receptors on astroglial cells, did not influence FGF-2 synthesis. In addition to the DA-mediated increase in FGF-2 synthesis the capability of conditioned medium (CM) from DA-stimulated striatal and cortical astrocytes to promote survival and process formation of cultured rat DAergic neurons was significantly enhanced. These effects could be fully blocked by preincubation of the CM with an FGF-2-specific polyclonal antiserum. Our results suggest that DA released from DAergic axon terminals in target regions of DAergic neurons and astroglial FGF-2 production are interdependent in that DA triggers synthesis of FGF-2, which, in turn enhances survival and differentiation of DAergic neurons.

Thyroid hormone-induced morphological differentiation and maturation of astrocytes are mediated through the beta-adrenergic receptor

The molecular mechanisms associated with thyroid hormone (TH)-induced maturation of astrocytes have been studied using primary cultures. We have previously demonstrated that unlike normal astrocyte cultures, hypothyroid cultures fail to differentiate from flat polygonal cells with epithelioid morphology into mature process-bearing cells with stellate morphology. Addition of TH to the hypothyroid cells reverses the effect, and astrocytes transform into stellate cells. The beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) agonist isoproterenol (ISP) has a similar effect, whereas simultaneous addition of the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol blocks the differentiation induced by TH or ISP. Addition of TH or ISP to hypothyroid cultures is also associated with a decrease in the level of filamentous cytoskeletal (F(i)) actin and an increase in the level of actin mRNA. Although addition of propranolol inhibited the decline in the level of F(i) actin in the TH- or ISP-supplemented cells as well as the induction of actin mRNA by TH, it partially inhibited the ISP-induced actin mRNA in these cultures. The hormone-induced maturation appears to be selectively regulated through the beta(2)-AR. The overall results indicate that the beta-adrenergic system plays an obligatory role in promoting TH-induced differentiation and maturation of astrocytes and in regulating the hormone-induced expression of actin and its intracellular organization in a way conducive to the morphological differentiation of the cells.

Presence of aquaporin-4 and muscarinic receptors in astrocytes and ependymal cells in rat brain: a clue to a common function?

Using combined double immunofluorescence and laser confocal microscopy, we studied the common cellular localization of cholinergic muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) and aquaporin-4 water channels (AQP4) in the cortex, the corpus callosum and in ependymal cells of the rat brain. In the cortex, AQP4 staining was restricted to the perivascular end-feet of astrocytes. It was more widely distributed on the astrocytes of the corpus callosum. On astrocytes, mAChRs were often present in regions immunoreactive to AQP4. Ependymal cells bordering the third ventricle were also stained by both antibodies. The double staining of mAChRs with AQP4 on two different cell-types might indicate that further interactions exist which may be important in the regulation of water and electrolyte movements in the brain.

Cytokines and advanced cancer

Cytokines have a major role in promoting the growth and spread of cancers. Elevated levels of several cytokines have been described in cancer patients. Evidence from animal and human studies suggests that cytokines may contribute to a wide range of symptoms in advanced cancer, including: asthenia, pain, drowsiness, cognitive failure, agitated delirium, autonomic dysfunction, anorexia, cachexia, fever and metabolic abnormalities. Considerable effort is being directed at finding anticytokine treatments, raising the possibility of new options for symptoms that are currently difficult to control.

Localization of the tandem pore domain K+ channel TASK-1 in the rat central nervous system

Recently, a new family of potassium channels with two pore domains in tandem and four transmembrane segments has been identified. Seven functional mammalian channels have been reported at this time. These channels give rise to baseline potassium currents because they are not gated by voltage and exhibit spontaneous activity at all membrane potentials. Although the physiological role of these ion channels has yet to be determined, three mammalian members of this family (TREK-1, TASK-1, TASK-2) are activated by volatile anesthetics and may therefore contribute to the central nervous system (CNS) depression produced by volatile anesthetics. In this study we used northern blot analysis and immunohistochemical localization to determine the expression of TASK-1 subunits in the CNS. TASK-1 immunoreactivity was prominently found in astrocytes of the hippocampus, in the median eminence, in the choroid plexus, and the granular layer, Purkinje cell layer, and molecular layer of the cerebellum. In the spinal cord, strong TASK-I immunoreactivity was seen in ependymal cells lining the central canal and in white matter. These findings suggest a role for the TASK-1 channel in the production of cerebrospinal fluid and function of hypothalamic neurosecretory cells.

Glutamate-stimulated activation of DNA synthesis via mitogen-activated protein kinase in primary astrocytes: involvement of protein kinase C and related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Although its role in neurons has been studied extensively, little is known about its function in astrocytes. We studied the effects of glutamate on signaling pathways in primary astrocytes. We found that the tyrosine kinase related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase (RAFTK) is tyrosine phosphorylated in response to glutamate in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This phosphorylation was pertussis toxin (PTX) sensitive and could be attenuated by the depletion of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. RAFTK tyrosine phosphorylation was mediated primarily by class I/II metabotropic glutamate receptors and depends on protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Glutamate treatment of primary astrocytes also results in a significant increase in the activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinases [extracellular signal-related kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2)]. Like RAFTK phosphorylation, ERK1/2 activation is PTX sensitive and can be attenuated by the depletion of intracellular Ca2+ and by PKC inhibition, suggesting that RAFTK might mediate the glutamate-dependent activation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, we demonstrated that glutamate stimulation of primary astrocytes leads to a significant increase in DNA synthesis. Glutamate-stimulated DNA synthesis is PTX sensitive and can be inhibited by the MAP kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059, suggesting that in primary astrocytes, glutamate might signal via RAFTK and MAP kinase to promote DNA synthesis and cell proliferation.

GABA(B) and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in the striatopallidal complex in primates

Glutamate and GABA neurotransmission is mediated through various types of ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. In this review, we summarise some of our recent findings on the subcellular and subsynaptic localisation of GABA(B) and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in the striatopallidal complex of monkeys. Polyclonal antibodies that specifically recognise GABA(B)R1, mGluR1a and mGluR5 receptor subtypes were used for immunoperoxidase and pre-embedding immunogold techniques at the light and electron microscope levels. Both subtypes of group I mGluRs were expressed postsynaptically in striatal projection neurons and interneurons where they aggregate perisynaptically at asymmetric glutamatergic synapses and symmetric dopaminergic synaptic junctions. Moreover, they are also strongly expressed in the main body of symmetric synapses established by putative intrastriatal GABAergic terminals. In the globus pallidus, both receptor subtypes are found postsynaptically in the core of striatopallidal GABAergic synapses and perisynaptically at subthalamopallidal glutamatergic synapses. Finally, extrasynaptic labelling was commonly seen in the globus pallidus and the striatum. Moderate to intense GABA(B)R1 immunoreactivity was observed in the striatopallidal complex. At the electron microscope level, GABA(B)R1 immunostaining was commonly found in neuronal cell bodies and dendrites. Many striatal dendritic spines also displayed GABA(B)R1 immunoreactivity. Moreover, GABA(B)R1-immunoreactive axons and axon terminals were frequently encountered. In the striatum, GABA(B)R1-immunoreactive boutons resembled terminals of cortical origin, while in the globus pallidus, subthalamic-like terminals were labelled. Pre-embedding immunogold data showed that postsynaptic GABA(B)R1 receptors are concentrated at extrasynaptic sites on dendrites, spines and somata in the striatopallidal complex, perisynaptically at asymmetric synapses and in the main body of symmetric striatopallidal synapses in the GPe and GPi. Consistent with the immunoperoxidase data, immunoparticles were found in the presynaptic grid of asymmetric synapses established by cortical- and subthalamic-like glutamatergic terminals. These findings indicate that both GABA and glutamate metabotropic receptors are located to subserve various modulatory functions of the synaptic transmission in the primate striatopallidal complex. Furthermore, their pattern of localisation raises issues about their roles and mechanisms of activation in normal and pathological conditions. Because of their 'modulatory' functions, these receptors are ideal targets for chronic drug therapies in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Colocalization of neurotransmitter receptors on astrocytes in explant cultures of rat CNS

In recent years evidence has accumulated that astrocytes express functional receptors for a variety of neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. By means of electrophysiological and combined autoradiographic and immunohistochemical methods we have demonstrated the colocalization of cholinergic, adrenergic and peptidergic receptors on astrocytes in explant cultures from various regions of rat central nervous system. A great number of biochemical and electrophysiological studies from other laboratories have shown that most of the neurotransmitters exert their effects on second messenger systems and on Ca2+-activated K+-channels. Furthermore, certain neurotransmitters are involved in the regulation of energy metabolism by stimulating enzymatic breakdown of glycogen in astrocytes. It was suggested that there is a cross-talk between the various neurotransmitter receptors on the glial membrane and that these receptors act in a synergistic or antagonistic way. The coexistence of cholinergic and peptidergic receptors on astrocytes is of great interest since both neurotransmitter systems are involved in cognitive functions and are impaired in patients with Alzheimer's dementia. The question is therefore raised whether not only neurones but also astrocytes might be involved in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Ion channel expression by astrocytes in situ: comparison of different CNS regions

Patch-clamp recordings were obtained in brain slices from 283 rat astrocytes. The expression of voltage-activated whole-cell currents was compared in four different CNS regions (hippocampus, cerebral cortex, spinal cord, and cerebellum). Our data show that CNS astrocytes do not show significant regional differences in their ion channel complement. With the exception of cerebellar Bergmann glial cells, essentially all astrocytes express a combination of delayed rectifying outward K(+) currents, transient A-type K(+) currents, and small Na(+) currents. Developmentally, an increasing percentage of astrocytes and Bergmann glial cells express inwardly rectifying K(+) currents. We did not observe cells that were passive, i.e., lacking voltage-activated currents. A few cells that appeared "passive" in initial recordings showed voltage-activated K(+) currents after off-line leak subtraction. The heterogeneity observed in the ion channel complement was found to be identical when cell-to-cell variations observed within a given CNS region and between various CNS regions were compared, suggesting a common and fairly stereotypical complement of ion channels in CNS astrocytes. Ion channel expression in Bergmann glial cells differed from that of all other CNS regions studied. These cells typically showed very low input resistances attributable to a significant time- and voltage-independent resting K(+) conductance. However, as with electrophysiologically "passive"-appearing astrocytes, Bergmann glial cells showed expression of delayed rectifying K(+) currents after off-line leak subtraction. Inwardly rectifying K(+) currents were observed in Bergmann glial cells after postnatal day 17. Collectively, our data suggest that all astrocytes contain voltage-gated ion channels that display a common pattern of expression during development.

The golgi apparatus is present in perisynaptic, subependymal and perivascular processes of astrocytes and in processes of retinal Müller glia

The Golgi apparatus (GA) of innervated rat and chicken skeletal muscle is present in a typical perinuclear location, and in subsynaptic areas where it disperses after denervation. It was suggested that the subsynaptic segments of the GA are linked with functions involved in the maturation and targeting of synaptic proteins. Similarly, the GA of rat myocardium is found in a perinuclear location and between myofibrils, adjacent to the T system of tubules. These findings raise the question whether the GA of polarized cells is present in a typical perinuclear location, for the performance of general "housekeeping" functions, and in distal areas, for the mediation of specialized functions. Astrocytes may contain GA within their long cytoplasmic processes which are difficult to identify in thin sections. To ensure the astrocytic origin of GA in otherwise unidentifiable small processes, we used transgenic mice expressing the rat MG160 medial Golgi sialoglycoprotein only in the GA of astrocytes, and visualized the GA with monoclonal antibody 10A8 (mAb10A8) which reacts only with rat MG160. Thus, we identified cisternae of the GA in distal perisynaptic and subependymal processes, in perivascular foot plates of cerebral astrocytes, and in processes of the Müller glia in the retina. A similar strategy may be adopted in future investigations aiming at the detection of elements of the GA in distal processes of neurons and oligodendrocytes. The functional implications of GA in perisynaptic astrocytic processes and other processes are unknown. However, the isolation and molecular characterization of the perisynaptic subset of astrocytic Golgi may be feasible, since others have purified the astrocytic glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) from crude synaptosomal fractions in which astrocytic processes are probably unavoidable contaminants.

Hippocampal astrocytes exhibit Ca2+-elevating muscarinic cholinergic and histaminergic receptors in situ

Recent findings suggest that astrocytes respond to neuronally released neurotransmitters with Ca2+ elevations. These Ca2+ elevations may trigger astrocytes to release glutamate, affecting neuronal activity. Neuronal activity is also affected by modulatory neurotransmitters that stimulate G protein-coupled receptors. These neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine and histamine, might affect neuronal activity by triggering Ca2+-dependent release of neurotransmitters from astrocytes. However, there is no physiological evidence for histaminergic or cholinergic receptors on astrocytes in situ. We asked whether astrocytes have these receptors by imaging Ca2+-sensitive dyes sequestered by astrocytes in hippocampal slices. Our results show that immunocytochemically identified astrocytes respond to carbachol and histamine with increases in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. The H1 histamine receptor antagonist chlorpheniramine inhibited responses to histamine. Similarly, atropine and the M1-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine inhibited carbachol-elicited responses. Astrocyte responses to histamine and carbachol were compared with responses elicited by alpha1-adrenergic and metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists. Individual astrocytes responded to different subsets of receptor agonists. Ca2+ oscillations were the prevalent response pattern only with metabotropic glutamate receptor stimulation. Finally, functional alpha1-adrenergic receptors and muscarinic receptors were not detected before postnatal day 8. Our data show that astrocytes have acetylcholine and histamine receptors coupled to Ca2+. Given that Ca2+ elevations in astrocytes trigger neurotransmitter release, it is possible that these astrocyte receptors modulate neuronal activity.

Differential distribution of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype mRNAs in the thalamus of the rat

L-Glutamate (L-Glu) is present in most excitatory synapses of the mammalian brain, acting on several receptor subtypes. Height different genes encoding metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) subtypes have been described (mGluR1-8), having a distinct distribution in the brain. In the present study, the distribution of mGluR1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 mRNAs was determined in 20 thalamic nuclei of adult rats by performing in situ hybridisation with subtype-specific 35S-labelled oligonucleotide probes. High expression of mGluR1 mRNA mainly occurred in midline nuclei such as the centromedial/centrolateral (CM/CL) nuclei, parafascicular and submedius nuclei, and in the ventroposteromedial (VPM) and posterior (Po) nuclei. In contrast, mGluR5 mRNA was more uniformly distributed at weak to moderate levels, except in the reuniens nucleus where a strong signal was detected. The mGluR3 mRNA was highly expressed in the reticular thalamic nucleus and almost not detectable in any other thalamic region. Additionally, mGluR3 mRNA was found not only in neurones but also in putative glial cells. The mGluR4 mRNA was abundant in most thalamic nuclei, with prominent expression in the CM/CL, Po and ventrobasal complex (VPM and ventroposterolateral, VPL). Finally, mGluR7 transcripts were found evenly distributed throughout the thalamus at moderate levels, the highest signal being detected in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus, VPM, VPL and Po. This differential distribution of mGluR subtypes in the rat thalamus may contribute to the heterogeneity of glutamate effects on thalamic neurones. The mGluR1, mGluR4 and mGluR7 receptors may be involved in the processing of somatosensory information because they are expressed in nuclei that receive direct sensory input.

AMPA and kainate receptors each mediate excitotoxicity in oligodendroglial cultures

Recent studies indicate that oligodendrocytes are vulnerable to excitotoxic insults mediated by glutamate receptors. The present study was carried out to characterize the type of glutamate receptors triggering cell death in optic nerve oligodendrocyte cultures. Acute activation of either AMPA or kainate receptors was toxic to oligodendrocytes, an effect that was prevented by CNQX. However, exposure to agonists of the NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors did not impair cell viability. Dose-response curves showed that toxicity was mediated by three distinct populations of receptors: an AMPA-type receptor and high- and low-affinity kainate-type receptors. Expression and immunocytochemical studies suggested that the glutamate receptor subunits give rise to the native receptors in each population. In all instances, Ca(2+) entry was a major determinant of glutamate receptor excitotoxicity. However, its influence varied for each receptor subtype. These results indicate that aberrantly enhanced activation of AMPA and/or kainate receptors may be involved in demyelinating diseases.

Taurine release is enhanced in cell-damaging conditions in cultured cerebral cortical astrocytes

The release of preloaded [3H]taurine from cultured cerebral cortical astrocytes was studied under various cell-damaging conditions, including hypoxia, ischemia, aglycemia and oxidative stress, and in the presence of free radicals. Astrocytic taurine release was enhanced by K+ (50 mM), veratridine (0.1 mM) and the ionotropic glutamate receptor agonist kainate (1.0 mM). Metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists had only weak effects on taurine release. Similarly to the swelling-induced taurine release the efflux in normoxia seems to be mediated mainly by DIDS-(diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate) and SITS-(4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate) sensitive CI- channels, since these blockers were able to reduce both basal and K+ -stimulated release. The basal release of taurine was moderately enhanced in hypoxia and ischemia, whereas the potentiation in the presence of free radicals was marked. The small basal release from astrocytes signifies that taurine release from brain tissue in ischemia may originate from neurons rather than glial cells. On the other hand, the release evoked by K+ in hypoxia and ischemia was greater than in normoxia, with a very slow time-course. The enhanced release of the inhibitory amino acid taurine from astrocytes in ischemia may be beneficial to surrounding neurons, outlasting the initial stimulus and counteracting overexcitation.

mGluR3 and mGluR5 are the predominant metabotropic glutamate receptor mRNAs expressed in hippocampal astrocytes acutely isolated from young rats

The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) that are expressed and not expressed on astrocytes in the brain have not been defined. While immunohistochemistry and in situ mRNA hybridization have been used on a limited basis to address this question, they do not readily enable the proportion of astrocytes expressing a particular mRNA or protein to be determined. Also, for many receptors, expression by cultured astrocytes does not reflect in situ expression. In this study, therefore, we examined expression of mRNA for all the mGluRs except mGluR6 by single-cell reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in freshly isolated hippocampal astrocytes from postnatal day P1-10 rats, as an additional approach to address the question of which mGluRs are expressed on astrocytes in situ. The astrocytic nature of the cells was supported by simultaneously measuring mRNA for the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) from the same cells. In these studies, the percentage of cells showing GFAP mRNA expression was the same as the percentage of cells showing immunocytochemical staining for GFAP. We found that only mGluR3 and mGluR5 mRNAs were significantly present in GFAP mRNA(+) cells. The mGluR5 PCR products were primarily of the "a" splice variant. mGluR1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 were very rarely or never detected. mGluR6 mRNA level was too low in whole rat brain and hippocampus to warrant examination. These results show that interpretation of effects involving mGluR3 or 5 activation in the hippocampus of young rats needs to also consider effects due to astrocytes.

Neuron-glia signaling via alpha(1) adrenoceptor-mediated Ca(2+) release in Bergmann glial cells in situ

Adrenoceptors were among the first neurotransmitter receptors identified in glial cells, but it is not known whether these receptors meditate glial responses during neuronal activity. We show that repetitive nerve activity evoked a rise of intracellular calcium in Bergmann glia and neighboring Purkinje neurons of cerebellar slices of mice. The glial but not the neuronal calcium transient persisted during block of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. In contrast, the glial calcium response was abolished by cyclopiazonic acid and prazosin; however, prazosin affected neither the inward current nor the resulting depolarization that accompanied the stimulus-induced glial calcium transients. The glial depolarization was attenuated by 38% by the mixture of glutamate receptor blockers, which abolished the evoked neuronal depolarization and afterhyperpolarization. Ba(2+) reduced the glial currents by 66% without affecting the concomitant calcium transients. In the presence of Ba(2+), the mixture of glutamate receptor blockers exerted no effect on the glial inward current or calcium rise. Furthermore, Ba(2+) greatly potentiated both the activity-related Purkinje cell inward current and the accompanying neuronal calcium rises. The results indicate that release of noradrenaline from afferent fibers activates a glial alpha(1) adrenoceptor that promotes calcium release from intracellular stores. Glial calcium rises are known to stimulate a diversity of processes such as transmitter release, energy metabolism, or proliferation. Thus the adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism described here is well suited for feedback modulation of neuronal function that is independent of glutamate.

Group 1 mGlu receptors elevate [Ca2+]i in rat cultured cortical type 2 astrocytes: [Ca2+]i synergy with adenosine A1 receptors

Brain macroglia are known to express a diverse array of neurotransmitter receptors whose signal transduction pathways may be subject to heteroreceptor 'cross-talk'. In the current study we have examined group 1 mGlu receptor-evoked [Ca2+]i signalling, and possible heteroreceptor cross-talk, in cultured type 2 astrocytes. The selective group 1 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) elevated [Ca2+]i (EC50 = 1.7 +/- 0.6 microM); an effect reversed by the selective mGlu receptor antagonist (S)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (IC50 = 52.7 +/- 8.7 microM). DHPG-evoked [Ca2+]i responses were abolished by (1) thapsigargin (100 nM), implicating the involvement of internal Ca2+ stores in group 1 mGlu [Ca2+]i responses and (2) the removal of extracellular Ca2+. When applied alone, the selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, 100 nM) failed to influence [Ca2+]i. However, in the presence of 1 microM DHPG, CPA potently (EC50 = 12.3 +/- 1.9 nM) increased [Ca2+]i responses. In the presence of 100 nM CPA, the efficacy of DHPG was doubled without any significant change in the DHPG EC50 value. This effect was reversed by either the selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (IC50 = 50.3 +/- 19.9 nM) or overnight incubation with Pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml). We conclude that (1) type 2 astrocytes contain group 1 mGlu receptors coupled to [Ca2+]i signalling and (2) co-activation of adenosine A1 receptors enhances group 1 mGlu-evoked [Ca2+]i responses in these cells via a Gi/o G protein-mediated mechanism.

Three-dimensional relationships between hippocampal synapses and astrocytes

Recent studies show that glutamate transporter-mediated currents occur in astrocytes when glutamate is released from hippocampal synapses. These transporters remove excess glutamate from the extracellular space, thereby facilitating synaptic input specificity and preventing neurotoxicity. Little is known about the position of astrocytic processes at hippocampal synapses. Serial electron microscopy and three-dimensional analyses were used to investigate structural relationships between astrocytes and synapses in stratum radiatum of hippocampal area CA1 in the mature rat in vivo and in slices. Only 57 +/- 11% of the synapses had astrocytic processes apposed to them. Of these, the astrocytic processes surrounded less than half (0.43 +/- 22) of the synaptic interface. Other studies suggest that astrocytes extend processes toward higher concentrations of glutamate; thus the presence of astrocytic processes at particular hippocampal synapses might signal which ones are releasing glutamate. The distance between nearest neighboring synapses was usually (approximately 95%) <1 microgram. Astrocytic processes occurred along the extracellular path between 33% of the neighboring synapses, neuronal processes occurred along the path between another 66% of the neighboring synapses, and only 1% of the synapses were close enough such that neither astrocytic nor neuronal processes occurred between them. These morphological arrangements suggest that the glutamate released at approximately two-thirds of hippocampal synapses might diffuse to other synapses, unless neuronal glutamate transporters are more effective than previously reported. The findings also suggest that physiological recordings made from hippocampal astrocytes do not uniformly sample the glutamate released from all hippocampal synapses.