Fast Ca2+ responses in astrocyte end-feet and neurovascular coupling in mice

Astrocytic NMDA Receptors

Astrocytic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are heterotetramers, whose expression and properties are largely determined by their subunit composition. Astrocytic NMDARs are characterized by a low sensitivity to magnesium ions and low calcium conductivity. Their activation plays an important role in the regulation of various intracellular processes, such as gene expression and mitochondrial function. Astrocytic NMDARs are involved in calcium signaling in astrocytes and can act through the ionotropic and metabotropic pathways. Astrocytic NMDARs participate in the interactions of the neuroglia, thus affecting synaptic plasticity. They are also engaged in the astrocyte-vascular interactions and contribute to the regulation of vascular tone. Astrocytic NMDARs are involved in various pathologies, such as ischemia and hyperammonemia, and their blockade prevents negative changes in astrocytes during these diseases.

Computational modeling of neuron-glia signaling interactions to unravel cellular and neural circuit functioning

Glial cells have been shown to be vital for various brain functions, including homeostasis, information processing, and cognition. Over the past 30 years, various signaling interactions between neuronal and glial cells have been shown to underlie these functions. This review summarizes the interactions, particularly between neurons and astrocytes, which are types of glial cells. Some of the interactions remain controversial in part due to the nature of experimental methods and preparations used. Based on the accumulated data, computational models of the neuron-astrocyte interactions have been developed to explain the complex functions of astrocytes in neural circuits and to test conflicting hypotheses. This review presents the most significant recent models, modeling methods and simulation tools for neuron-astrocyte interactions. In the future, we will especially need more experimental research on awake animals in vivo and new computational models of neuron-glia interactions to advance our understanding of cellular dynamics and the functioning of neural circuits in different brain regions.

Modulatory effects of noradrenergic and serotonergic signaling pathway on neurovascular coupling

Dynamic changes in astrocyte Ca2+ are recognized as contributors to functional hyperemia, a critical response to increased neuronal activity mediated by a process known as neurovascular coupling (NVC). Although the critical role of glutamatergic signaling in this process has been extensively investigated, the impact of behavioral state, and the release of behavior-associated neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, on astrocyte Ca2+ dynamics and functional hyperemia have received less attention. We used two-photon imaging of the barrel cortex in awake mice to examine the role of noradrenergic and serotonergic projections in NVC. We found that both neurotransmitters facilitated sensory stimulation-induced increases in astrocyte Ca2+. Interestingly, while ablation of serotonergic neurons reduced sensory stimulation-induced functional hyperemia, ablation of noradrenergic neurons caused both attenuation and potentiation of functional hyperemia. Our study demonstrates that norepinephrine and serotonin are involved in modulating sensory stimulation-induced astrocyte Ca2+ elevations and identifies their differential effects in regulating functional hyperemia.

Cortical astrocyte N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors influence whisker barrel activity and sensory discrimination in mice

Astrocytes express ionotropic receptors, including N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). However, the contribution of NMDARs to astrocyte-neuron interactions, particularly in vivo, has not been elucidated. Here we show that a knockdown approach to selectively reduce NMDARs in mouse cortical astrocytes decreases astrocyte Ca2+ transients evoked by sensory stimulation. Astrocyte NMDAR knockdown also impairs nearby neuronal circuits by elevating spontaneous neuron activity and limiting neuronal recruitment, synchronization, and adaptation during sensory stimulation. Furthermore, this compromises the optimal processing of sensory information since the sensory acuity of the mice is reduced during a whisker-dependent tactile discrimination task. Lastly, we rescue the effects of astrocyte NMDAR knockdown on neurons and improve the tactile acuity of the animal by supplying exogenous ATP. Overall, our findings show that astrocytes can respond to nearby neuronal activity via their NMDAR, and that these receptors are an important component for purinergic signaling that regulate astrocyte-neuron interactions and cortical sensory discrimination in vivo.

Astrocytes: new evidence, new models, new roles

Astrocytes have been in the limelight of active research for about 3 decades now. Over this period, ideas about their function and role in the nervous system have evolved from simple assistance in energy supply and homeostasis maintenance to a complex informational and metabolic hub that integrates data on local neuronal activity, sensory and arousal context, and orchestrates many crucial processes in the brain. Rapid progress in experimental techniques and data analysis produces a growing body of data, which can be used as a foundation for formulation of new hypotheses, building new refined mathematical models, and ultimately should lead to a new level of understanding of the contribution of astrocytes to the cognitive tasks performed by the brain. Here, we highlight recent progress in astrocyte research, which we believe expands our understanding of how low-level signaling at a cellular level builds up to processes at the level of the whole brain and animal behavior. We start our review with revisiting data on the role of noradrenaline-mediated astrocytic signaling in locomotion, arousal, sensory integration, memory, and sleep. We then briefly review astrocyte contribution to the regulation of cerebral blood flow regulation, which is followed by a discussion of biophysical mechanisms underlying astrocyte effects on different brain processes. The experimental section is closed by an overview of recent experimental techniques available for modulation and visualization of astrocyte dynamics. We then evaluate how the new data can be potentially incorporated into the new mathematical models or where and how it already has been done. Finally, we discuss an interesting prospect that astrocytes may be key players in important processes such as the switching between sleep and wakefulness and the removal of toxic metabolites from the brain milieu.

Astrocytic GPCR-Induced Ca2+ Signaling Is Not Causally Related to Local Cerebral Blood Flow Changes

Activation of Gq-type G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) gives rise to large cytosolic Ca2+ elevations in astrocytes. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that astrocytic Ca2+ elevations are closely associated with diameter changes in the nearby blood vessels, which astrocytes enwrap with their endfeet. However, the causal relationship between astrocytic Ca2+ elevations and blood vessel diameter changes has been questioned, as mice with diminished astrocytic Ca2+ signaling show normal sensory hyperemia. We addressed this controversy by imaging cortical vasculature while optogenetically elevating astrocyte Ca2+ in a novel transgenic mouse line, expressing Opto-Gq-type GPCR Optoα1AR (Astro-Optoα1AR) in astrocytes. Blue light illumination on the surface of the somatosensory cortex induced Ca2+ elevations in cortical astrocytes and their endfeet in mice under anesthesia. Blood vessel diameter did not change significantly with Optoα1AR-induced Ca2+ elevations in astrocytes, while it was increased by forelimb stimulation. Next, we labeled blood plasma with red fluorescence using AAV8-P3-Alb-mScarlet in Astro-Optoα1AR mice. We were able to identify arterioles that display diameter changes in superficial areas of the somatosensory cortex through the thinned skull. Photo-stimulation of astrocytes in the cortical area did not result in noticeable changes in the arteriole diameters compared with their background strain C57BL/6. Together, compelling evidence for astrocytic Gq pathway-induced vasodiameter changes was not observed. Our results support the notion that short-term (<10 s) hyperemia is not mediated by GPCR-induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling.

Astrocyte Endfeet in Brain Function and Pathology: Open Questions

Astrocyte endfeet enwrap the entire vascular tree within the central nervous system, where they perform important functions in regulating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), cerebral blood flow, nutrient uptake, and waste clearance. Accordingly, astrocyte endfeet contain specialized organelles and proteins, including local protein translation machinery and highly organized scaffold proteins, which anchor channels, transporters, receptors, and enzymes critical for astrocyte-vascular interactions. Many neurological diseases are characterized by the loss of polarization of specific endfoot proteins, vascular dysregulation, BBB disruption, altered waste clearance, or, in extreme cases, loss of endfoot coverage. A role for astrocyte endfeet has been demonstrated or postulated in many of these conditions. This review provides an overview of the development, composition, function, and pathological changes of astrocyte endfeet and highlights the gaps in our knowledge that future research should address.

Neuronally Derived Soluble Abeta Evokes Cell-Wide Astrocytic Calcium Dysregulation in Absence of Amyloid Plaques in Vivo

The key pathologic entities driving the destruction of synaptic function and integrity during the evolution of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain elusive. Astrocytes are structurally and functionally integrated within synaptic and vascular circuitry and use calcium-based physiology to modulate basal synaptic transmission, vascular dynamics, and neurovascular coupling, which are central to AD pathogenesis. We used high-resolution multiphoton imaging to quantify all endogenous calcium signaling arising spontaneously throughout astrocytic somata, primary processes, fine processes, and capillary endfeet in the brain of awake APP/PS1 transgenic mice (11 male and 6 female mice). Endogenous calcium signaling within capillary endfeet, while surprisingly as active as astrocytic fine processes, was reduced ∼50% in the brain of awake APP/PS1 mice. Cortical astrocytes, in the presence of amyloid plaques in awake APP/PS1 mice, had a cell-wide increase in intracellular calcium associated with an increased frequency, amplitude, and duration of spontaneous calcium signaling. The cell-wide astrocytic calcium dysregulation was not directly related to distance to amyloid plaques. We could re-create the cell-wide intracellular calcium dysregulation in the absence of amyloid plaques following acute exposure to neuronally derived soluble Abeta from Tg2576 transgenic mice, in the living brain of male C57/Bl6 mice. Our findings highlight a role for astrocytic calcium pathophysiology in soluble-Abeta mediated neurodegenerative processes in AD. Additionally, therapeutic strategies aiming to protect astrocytic calcium physiology from soluble Abeta-mediated toxicity may need to pharmacologically enhance calcium signaling within the hypoactive capillary endfeet while reducing the hyperactivity of spontaneous calcium signaling throughout the rest of the astrocyte.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Astrocytic calcium signaling is functionally involved in central pathologic processes of Alzheimer's disease. We quantified endogenous calcium signaling arising spontaneously in the brain of awake APP/PS1 mice, as general anesthesia suppressed astrocytic calcium signaling. Cell-wide astrocytic calcium dysregulation was not related to distance to amyloid plaques but mediated in part by neuronally derived soluble Abeta, supporting a role for astrocytes in soluble-Abeta mediated neurodegeneration. Spontaneous calcium signaling is largely compartmentalized and capillary endfeet were as active as fine processes but hypoactive in the presence of amyloid plaques, while the rest of the astrocyte became hyperactive. The cell-wide calcium pathophysiology in astrocytes may require a combination therapeutic strategy for hypoactive endfeet and astrocytic hyperactivity.

Modeling the relationship between neuronal activity and the BOLD signal: contributions from astrocyte calcium dynamics

Functional magnetic resonance imaging relies on the coupling between neuronal and vascular activity, but the mechanisms behind this coupling are still under discussion. Recent experimental evidence suggests that calcium signaling may play a significant role in neurovascular coupling. However, it is still controversial where this calcium signal is located (in neurons or elsewhere), how it operates and how relevant is its role. In this paper we introduce a biologically plausible model of the neurovascular coupling and we show that calcium signaling in astrocytes can explain main aspects of the dynamics of the coupling. We find that calcium signaling can explain so-far unrelated features such as the linear and non-linear regimes, the negative vascular response (undershoot) and the emergence of a (calcium-driven) Hemodynamic Response Function. These features are reproduced here for the first time by a single model of the detailed neuronal-astrocyte-vascular pathway. Furthermore, we analyze how information is coded and transmitted from the neuronal to the vascular system and we predict that frequency modulation of astrocytic calcium dynamics plays a key role in this process. Finally, our work provides a framework to link neuronal activity to the BOLD signal, and vice-versa, where neuronal activity can be inferred from the BOLD signal. This opens new ways to link known alterations of astrocytic calcium signaling in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) with detectable changes in the neurovascular coupling.

Dissecting the neurovascular unit in physiology and Alzheimer's disease: Functions, imaging tools and genetic mouse models

The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays an essential role in regulating neurovascular coupling, which refers to the communication between neurons, glia, and vascular cells to control the supply of oxygen and nutrients in response to neural activity. Cellular elements of the NVU coordinate to establish an anatomical barrier to separate the central nervous system from the milieu of the periphery system, restricting the free movement of substances from the blood to the brain parenchyma and maintaining central nervous system homeostasis. In Alzheimer's disease, amyloid-β deposition impairs the normal functions of NVU cellular elements, thus accelerating the disease progression. Here, we aim to describe the current knowledge of the NVU cellular elements, including endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, and microglia, in regulating the blood-brain barrier integrity and functions in physiology as well as alterations encountered in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the NVU functions as a whole, therefore specific labeling and targeting NVU components in vivo enable us to understand the mechanism mediating cellular communication. We review approaches including commonly used fluorescent dyes, genetic mouse models, and adeno-associated virus vectors for imaging and targeting NVU cellular elements in vivo.

Two decades of astrocytes in neurovascular coupling

The brain is a highly energy demanding organ, which accounts in humans for the 20% of total energy consumption at resting state although comprising only 2% of the body mass. The necessary delivery of nutrients to brain parenchyma is ensured by the cerebral circulatory system, through the exchange of glucose and oxygen (O2) at the capillary level. Notably, a tight spatial and temporal correlation exists between local increases in neuronal activity and the subsequent changes in regional cerebral blood flow. The recognized concept of neurovascular coupling (NVC), also named functional hyperemia, expresses this close relationship and stands at the basis of the modern functional brain imaging techniques. Different cellular and molecular mechanisms have been proposed to mediate this tight coupling. In this context, astrocytes are ideally positioned to act as relay elements that sense neuronal activity through their perisynaptic processes and release vasodilator agents at their endfeet in contact with brain parenchymal vessels. Two decades after the astrocyte involvement in neurovascular coupling has been proposed, we here review the experimental evidence that contributed to unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cerebral blood flow regulation. While traveling through the different controversies that moved the research in this field, we keep a peculiar focus on those exploring the role of astrocytes in neurovascular coupling and conclude with two sections related to methodological aspects in neurovascular research and to some pathological conditions resulting in altered neurovascular coupling.

Astrocytes amplify neurovascular coupling to sustained activation of neocortex in awake mice

Functional hyperemia occurs when enhanced neuronal activity signals to increase local cerebral blood flow (CBF) to satisfy regional energy demand. Ca²⁺ elevation in astrocytes can drive arteriole dilation to increase CBF, yet affirmative evidence for the necessity of astrocytes in functional hyperemia in vivo is lacking. In awake mice, we discovered that functional hyperemia is bimodal with a distinct early and late component whereby arteriole dilation progresses as sensory stimulation is sustained. Clamping astrocyte Ca²⁺ signaling in vivo by expressing a plasma membrane Ca²⁺ ATPase (CalEx) reduces sustained but not brief sensory-evoked arteriole dilation. Elevating astrocyte free Ca²⁺ using chemogenetics selectively augments sustained hyperemia. Antagonizing NMDA-receptors or epoxyeicosatrienoic acid production reduces only the late component of functional hyperemia, leaving brief increases in CBF to sensory stimulation intact. We propose that a fundamental role of astrocyte Ca²⁺ is to amplify functional hyperemia when neuronal activation is prolonged.

Astrocytes exhibit diverse Ca2+ changes at subcellular domains during brain aging

Astrocytic Ca²⁺ transients are essential for astrocyte integration into neural circuits. These Ca²⁺ transients are primarily sequestered in subcellular domains, including primary branches, branchlets and leaflets, and endfeet. In previous studies, it suggests that aging causes functional defects in astrocytes. Until now, it was unclear whether and how aging affects astrocytic Ca²⁺ transients at subcellular domains. In this study, we combined a genetically encoded Ca²⁺ sensor (GCaMP6f) and in vivo two-photon Ca²⁺ imaging to determine changes in Ca²⁺ transients within astrocytic subcellular domains during brain aging. We showed that aging increased Ca²⁺ transients in astrocytic primary branches, higher-order branchlets, and terminal leaflets. However, Ca²⁺ transients decreased within astrocytic endfeet during brain aging, which could be caused by the decreased expressions of Aquaporin-4 (AQP4). In addition, aging-induced changes of Ca²⁺ transient types were heterogeneous within astrocytic subcellular domains. These results demonstrate that the astrocytic Ca²⁺ transients within subcellular domains are affected by aging differently. This finding contributes to a better understanding of the physiological role of astrocytes in aging-induced neural circuit degeneration.

The CaMKII/MLC1 Axis Confers Ca2+-Dependence to Volume-Regulated Anion Channels (VRAC) in Astrocytes

Astrocytes, the main glial cells of the central nervous system, play a key role in brain volume control due to their intimate contacts with cerebral blood vessels and the expression of a distinctive equipment of proteins involved in solute/water transport. Among these is MLC1, a protein highly expressed in perivascular astrocytes and whose mutations cause megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC), an incurable leukodystrophy characterized by macrocephaly, chronic brain edema, cysts, myelin vacuolation, and astrocyte swelling. Although, in astrocytes, MLC1 mutations are known to affect the swelling-activated chloride currents (ICl,_swell) mediated by the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC), and the regulatory volume decrease, MLC1′s proper function is still unknown. By combining molecular, biochemical, proteomic, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques, we here show that MLC1 is a Ca²⁺/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) target protein, whose phosphorylation, occurring in response to intracellular Ca²⁺ release, potentiates VRAC-mediated ICl,_swell. Overall, these findings reveal that MLC1 is a Ca²⁺-regulated protein, linking volume regulation to Ca²⁺ signaling in astrocytes. This knowledge provides new insight into the MLC1 protein function and into the mechanisms controlling ion/water exchanges in the brain, which may help identify possible molecular targets for the treatment of MLC and other pathological conditions caused by astrocyte swelling and brain edema.

Looking to the stars for answers: Strategies for determining how astrocytes influence neuronal activity

Astrocytes are critical components of neural circuits positioned in close proximity to the synapse, allowing them to rapidly sense and respond to neuronal activity. One repeatedly observed biomarker of astroglial activation is an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. These astroglial Ca²⁺ signals are often observed spreading throughout various cellular compartments from perisynaptic astroglial processes, to major astrocytic branches and on to the soma or cell body. Here we review recent evidence demonstrating that astrocytic Ca²⁺ events are remarkably heterogeneous in both form and function, propagate through the astroglial syncytia, and are directly linked to the ability of astroglia to influence local neuronal activity. As many of the cellular functions of astroglia can be linked to intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling, and the diversity and heterogeneity of these events becomes more apparent, there is an increasing need for novel experimental strategies designed to better understand the how these signals evolve in parallel with neuronal activity. Here we review the recent advances that enable the characterization of both subcellular and population-wide astrocytic Ca²⁺ dynamics. Additionally, we also outline the experimental design required for simultaneous in vivo Ca²⁺ imaging in the context of neuronal or astroglial manipulation, highlighting new experimental strategies made possible by recent advances in viral vector, imaging, and quantification technologies. Through combined usage of these reagents and methodologies, we provide a conceptual framework to study how astrocytes functionally integrate into neural circuits and to what extent they influence and direct the synaptic activity underlying behavioral responses.

Activation of Glutamate Transport Increases Arteriole Diameter in v ivo: Implications for Neurovascular Coupling

In order to meet the energetic demands of cell-to-cell signaling, increases in local neuronal signaling are matched by a coordinated increase in local blood flow, termed neurovascular coupling. Multiple different signals from neurons, astrocytes, and pericytes contribute to this control of blood flow. Previously, several groups demonstrated that inhibition/ablation of glutamate transporters attenuates the neurovascular response. However, it was not determined if glutamate transporter activation was sufficient to increase blood flow. Here, we used multiphoton imaging to monitor the diameter of fluorescently labeled cortical arterioles in anesthetized C57/B6J mice. We delivered vehicle, glutamate transporter substrates, or a combination of a glutamate transporter substrate with various pharmacologic agents via a glass micropipette while simultaneously visualizing changes in arteriole diameter. We developed a novel image analysis method to automate the measurement of arteriole diameter in these time-lapse analyses. Using this workflow, we first conducted pilot experiments in which we focally applied L-glutamate, D-aspartate, or L-threo-hydroxyaspartate (L-THA) and measured arteriole responses as proof of concept. We subsequently applied the selective glutamate transport substrate L-THA (applied at concentrations that do not activate glutamate receptors). We found that L-THA evoked a significantly larger dilation than that observed with focal saline application. This response was blocked by co-application of the potent glutamate transport inhibitor, L-(2S,3S)-3-[3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzoylamino]benzyloxy]-aspartate (TFB-TBOA). Conversely, we were unable to demonstrate a reduction of this effect through co-application of a cocktail of glutamate and GABA receptor antagonists. These studies provide the first direct evidence that activation of glutamate transport is sufficient to increase arteriole diameter. We explored potential downstream mechanisms mediating this transporter-mediated dilation by using a Ca2+ chelator or inhibitors of reversed-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange, nitric oxide synthetase, or cyclo-oxygenase. The estimated effects and confidence intervals suggested some form of inhibition for a number of these inhibitors. Limitations to our study design prevented definitive conclusions with respect to these downstream inhibitors; these limitations are discussed along with possible next steps. Understanding the mechanisms that control blood flow are important because changes in blood flow/energy supply are implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders and are used as a surrogate measure of neuronal activity in widely used techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Dilation of cortical capillaries is not related to astrocyte calcium signaling

The brain requires an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to maintain proper function as neuronal activity varies. This is achieved, in part, through neurovascular coupling mechanisms that mediate local increases in blood flow through the dilation of arterioles and capillaries. The role of astrocytes in mediating this functional hyperemia response is controversial. Specifically, the function of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling is unclear. Cortical arterioles dilate in the absence of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling, but previous work suggests that Ca2+ increases are necessary for capillary dilation. This question has not been fully addressed in vivo, however, and we have reexamined the role of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in vessel dilation in the barrel cortex of awake, behaving mice. We recorded evoked vessel dilations and astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in response to whisker stimulation. Experiments were carried out on WT and IP3R2 KO mice, a transgenic model where astrocyte Ca2+ signaling is substantially reduced. Compared to WT mice at rest, Ca2+ signaling in astrocyte endfeet contacting capillaries increased by 240% when whisker stimulation evoked running. In contrast, Ca2+ signaling was reduced to 9% of WT values in IP3R2 KO mice. In all three conditions, however, the amplitude of capillary dilation was largely unchanged. In addition, the latency to the onset of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling lagged behind dilation onset in most trials, although a subset of rapid onset Ca2+ events with latencies as short as 0.15 s occurred. In summary, we found that whisker stimulation-evoked capillary dilations occurred independent of astrocyte Ca2+ increases in the cerebral cortex.

Astrocyte Bioenergetics and Major Psychiatric Disorders

Ongoing research continues to add new elements to the emerging picture of involvement of astrocyte energy metabolism in the pathophysiology of major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, and addictions. This review outlines what is known about the energy metabolism in astrocytes, the most numerous cell type in the brain, and summarizes the recent work on how specific perturbations of astrocyte bioenergetics may contribute to the neuropsychiatric conditions. The role of astrocyte energy metabolism in mental health and disease is reviewed on the organism, organ, and cell level. Data arising from genomic, metabolomic, in vitro, and neurobehavioral studies is critically analyzed to suggest future directions in research and possible metabolism-focused therapeutic interventions.

Neurovascular Reactivity in the Aging Mouse Brain Assessed by Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging and 2-Photon Microscopy: Quantification by an Investigator-Independent Analysis Tool

The brain has a high energy demand but little to no energy stores. Therefore, proper brain function relies on the delivery of glucose and oxygen by the cerebral vasculature. The regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) occurs at the level of the cerebral capillaries and is driven by a fast and efficient crosstalk between neurons and vessels, a process termed neurovascular coupling (NVC). Experimentally NVC is mainly triggered by sensory stimulation and assessed by measuring either CBF by laser Doppler fluxmetry, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), intrinsic optical imaging, BOLD fMRI, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) or functional ultrasound imaging (fUS). Since these techniques have relatively low spatial resolution, diameters of cerebral vessels are mainly assessed by 2-photon microscopy (2-PM). Results of studies on NVC rely on stable animal physiology, high-quality data acquisition, and unbiased data analysis, criteria, which are not easy to achieve. In the current study, we assessed NVC using two different imaging modalities, i.e., LSCI and 2-PM, and analyzed our data using an investigator-independent Matlab-based analysis tool, after manually defining the area of analysis in LSCI and vessels to measure in 2-PM. By investigating NVC in 6–8 weeks, 1-, and 2-year-old mice, we found that NVC was maximal in 1-year old mice and was significantly reduced in aged mice. These findings suggest that NVC is differently affected during the aging process. Most interestingly, specifically pial arterioles, seem to be distinctly affected by the aging. The main finding of our study is that the automated analysis tool works very efficiently in terms of time and accuracy. In fact, the tool reduces the analysis time of one animal from approximately 23 h to about 2 s while basically making no mistakes. In summary, we developed an experimental workflow, which allows us to reliably measure NVC with high spatial and temporal resolution in young and aged mice and to analyze these data in an investigator-independent manner.

Deciphering the functional nano-anatomy of the tripartite synapse using stimulated emission depletion microscopy

A major challenge for studying neuron-astrocyte communication lies in visualizing the tripartite synapse, which is the physical site where astrocytic processes contact and interact with neuronal synapses. While conventional light microscopy cannot resolve the anatomical details of the tripartite synapse, electron microscopy only provides ultrastructural snapshots that tell us little about its living state and dynamics. Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is a super-resolution fluorescence imaging technique that can provide live images of tripartite synapses with nanoscale spatial resolution. It is compatible with physiology experiments and imaging in the intact brain in vivo, opening up new opportunities to link the nanoscale structure of the tripartite system with functional readouts of neurons and astrocytes or even behavior. In this review, we first summarize the findings and insights from previous studies addressing the structure-function relationship of the tripartite synapse using conventional imaging techniques. We then explain the basic principle of STED microscopy and the main challenges facing its application to live-tissue imaging of fine astrocytic processes. We summarize insights from our recent STED studies, which revealed new aspects of the structure and physiology of the tripartite synapse and the surrounding extracellular space. Finally, we discuss how the STED approach and other advanced optical techniques can illuminate the role of astrocytes for brain physiology and animal behavior.

Extracellular Calcium Influx Pathways in Astrocyte Calcium Microdomain Physiology

Astrocytes are complex glial cells that play many essential roles in the brain, including the fine-tuning of synaptic activity and blood flow. These roles are linked to fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ within astrocytes. Recent advances in imaging techniques have identified localized Ca2+ transients within the fine processes of the astrocytic structure, which we term microdomain Ca2+ events. These Ca2+ transients are very diverse and occur under different conditions, including in the presence or absence of surrounding circuit activity. This complexity suggests that different signalling mechanisms mediate microdomain events which may then encode specific astrocyte functions from the modulation of synapses up to brain circuits and behaviour. Several recent studies have shown that a subset of astrocyte microdomain Ca2+ events occur rapidly following local neuronal circuit activity. In this review, we consider the physiological relevance of microdomain astrocyte Ca2+ signalling within brain circuits and outline possible pathways of extracellular Ca2+ influx through ionotropic receptors and other Ca2+ ion channels, which may contribute to astrocyte microdomain events with potentially fast dynamics.

Regulation of the Cerebral Circulation During Development

The cerebral microcirculation undergoes dynamic changes in parallel with the development of neurons, glia, and their energy metabolism throughout gestation and postnatally. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxygen consumption, and glucose consumption are as low as 20% of adult levels in humans born prematurely but eventually exceed adult levels at ages 3 to 11 years, which coincide with the period of continued brain growth, synapse formation, synapse pruning, and myelination. Neurovascular coupling to sensory activation is present but attenuated at birth. By 2 postnatal months, the increase in CBF often is disproportionately smaller than the increase in oxygen consumption, in contrast to the relative hyperemia seen in adults. Vascular smooth muscle myogenic tone increases in parallel with developmental increases in arterial pressure. CBF autoregulatory response to increased arterial pressure is intact at birth but has a more limited range with arterial hypotension. Hypoxia-induced vasodilation in preterm fetal sheep with low oxygen consumption does not sustain cerebral oxygen transport, but the response becomes better developed for sustaining oxygen transport by term. Nitric oxide tonically inhibits vasomotor tone, and glutamate receptor activation can evoke its release in lambs and piglets. In piglets, astrocyte-derived carbon monoxide plays a central role in vasodilation evoked by glutamate, ADP, and seizures, and prostanoids play a large role in endothelial-dependent and hypercapnic vasodilation. Overall, homeostatic mechanisms of CBF regulation in response to arterial pressure, neuronal activity, carbon dioxide, and oxygenation are present at birth but continue to develop postnatally as neurovascular signaling pathways are dynamically altered and integrated. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-62, 2021.

NMDARs, Coincidence Detectors of Astrocytic and Neuronal Activities

Synaptic plasticity is an extensively studied cellular correlate of learning and memory in which NMDARs play a starring role. One of the most interesting features of NMDARs is their ability to act as a co-incident detector. It is unique amongst neurotransmitter receptors in this respect. Co-incident detection is possible because the opening of NMDARs requires membrane depolarisation and the binding of glutamate. Opening of NMDARs also requires a co-agonist. Although the dynamic regulation of glutamate and membrane depolarization have been well studied in coincident detection, the role of the co-agonist site is unexplored. It turns out that non-neuronal glial cells, astrocytes, regulate co-agonist availability, giving them the ability to influence synaptic plasticity. The unique morphology and spatial arrangement of astrocytes at the synaptic level affords them the capacity to sample and integrate information originating from unrelated synapses, regardless of any pre-synaptic and post-synaptic commonality. As astrocytes are classically considered slow responders, their influence at the synapse is widely recognized as modulatory. The aim herein is to reconsider the potential of astrocytes to participate directly in ongoing synaptic NMDAR activity and co-incident detection.

Precapillary sphincters and pericytes at first-order capillaries as key regulators for brain capillary perfusion

Rises in local neural activity trigger local increases of cerebral blood flow, which is essential to match local energy demands. However, the specific location of microvascular flow control is incompletely understood. Here, we used two-photon microscopy to observe brain microvasculature in vivo. Small spatial movement of a three-dimensional (3D) vasculature makes it challenging to precisely measure vessel diameter at a single x-y plane. To overcome this problem, we carried out four-dimensional (x-y-z-t) imaging of brain microvessels during exposure to vasoactive molecules in order to constrain the impact of brain movements on the recordings. We demonstrate that rises in synaptic activity, acetylcholine, nitric oxide, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, ATP-sensitive potassium channels, and endothelin-1 exert far greater effects on brain precapillary sphincters and first-order capillaries than on penetrating arterioles or downstream capillaries, but with similar kinetics. The high level of responsiveness at precapillary sphincters and first-order capillaries was matched by a higher level of α-smooth muscle actin in pericytes as compared to penetrating arterioles and downstream capillaries. Mathematical modeling based on 3D vasculature reconstruction showed that precapillary sphincters predominantly regulate capillary blood flow and pressure as compared to penetrating arterioles and downstream capillaries. Our results confirm a key role for precapillary sphincters and pericytes on first-order capillaries as sensors and effectors of endothelium- or brain-derived vascular signals.

Astrocyte Ca2+ Waves and Subsequent Non-Synchronized Ca2+ Oscillations Coincide with Arteriole Diameter Changes in Response to Spreading Depolarization

Spreading depolarization (SD) is a wave of mass depolarization that causes profound perfusion changes in acute cerebrovascular diseases. Although the astrocyte response is secondary to the neuronal depolarization with SD, it remains to be explored how glial activity is altered after the passage of SD. Here, we describe post-SD high frequency astrocyte Ca²⁺ oscillations in the mouse somatosensory cortex. The intracellular Ca²⁺ changes of SR101 labeled astrocytes and the SD-related arteriole diameter variations were simultaneously visualized by multiphoton microscopy in anesthetized mice. Post-SD astrocyte Ca²⁺ oscillations were identified as Ca²⁺ events non-synchronized among astrocytes in the field of view. Ca²⁺ oscillations occurred minutes after the Ca²⁺ wave of SD. Furthermore, fewer astrocytes were involved in Ca²⁺ oscillations at a given time, compared to Ca²⁺ waves, engaging all astrocytes in the field of view simultaneously. Finally, our data confirm that astrocyte Ca²⁺ waves coincide with arteriolar constriction, while post-SD Ca²⁺ oscillations occur with the peak of the SD-related vasodilation. This is the first in vivo study to present the post-SD astrocyte Ca²⁺ oscillations. Our results provide novel insight into the spatio-temporal correlation between glial reactivity and cerebral arteriole diameter changes behind the SD wavefront.

Involvement of Astrocytes and microRNA Dysregulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Potential

Astrocytes are the most widely distributed and abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a class of diseases with a slow onset, progressive progression, and poor prognosis. Common clinical NDDs include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Although these diseases have different etiologies, they are all associated with neuronal loss and pathological dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and toxic metabolites that are produced and released by activated astrocytes affect and regulate the function of neurons at the receptor, ion channel, antigen transfer, and gene transcription levels in the pathogenesis of NDDs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that play a wide range of biological roles by regulating the transcription and post-transcriptional translation of target mRNAs to induce target gene expression and silencing. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of NDDs by regulating astrocyte function through different mechanisms and may be potential targets for the treatment of NDDs. Here, we review studies of the role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of NDDs and discuss possible mechanisms of miRNAs in the regulation of astrocyte function, suggesting that miRNAs may be targeted as a novel approach for the treatment of NDDs.

Spontaneous Ca2+ Fluctuations Arise in Thin Astrocytic Processes With Real 3D Geometry

Fluctuations of cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration in astrocytes are regarded as a critical non-neuronal signal to regulate neuronal functions. Although such fluctuations can be evoked by neuronal activity, rhythmic astrocytic Ca²⁺ oscillations may also spontaneously arise. Experimental studies hint that these spontaneous astrocytic Ca²⁺ oscillations may lie behind different kinds of emerging neuronal synchronized activities, like epileptogenic bursts or slow-wave rhythms. Despite the potential importance of spontaneous Ca²⁺ oscillations in astrocytes, the mechanism by which they develop is poorly understood. Using simple 3D synapse models and kinetic data of astrocytic Glu transporters (EAATs) and the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX), we have previously shown that NCX activity alone can generate markedly stable, spontaneous Ca²⁺ oscillation in the astrocytic leaflet microdomain. Here, we extend that model by incorporating experimentally determined real 3D geometries of 208 excitatory synapses reconstructed from publicly available ultra-resolution electron microscopy datasets. Our simulations predict that the surface/volume ratio (SVR) of peri-synaptic astrocytic processes prominently dictates whether NCX-mediated spontaneous Ca²⁺ oscillations emerge. We also show that increased levels of intracellular astrocytic Na⁺ concentration facilitate the appearance of Ca²⁺ fluctuations. These results further support the principal role of the dynamical reshaping of astrocyte processes in the generation of intrinsic Ca²⁺ oscillations and their spreading over larger astrocytic compartments.

More than just summed neuronal activity: how multiple cell types shape the BOLD response

Functional neuroimaging techniques are widely applied to investigations of human cognition and disease. The most commonly used among these is blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging. The BOLD signal occurs because neural activity induces an increase in local blood supply to support the increased metabolism that occurs during activity. This supply usually outmatches demand, resulting in an increase in oxygenated blood in an active brain region, and a corresponding decrease in deoxygenated blood, which generates the BOLD signal. Hence, the BOLD response is shaped by an integration of local oxygen use, through metabolism, and supply, in the blood. To understand what information is carried in BOLD signals, we must understand how several cell types in the brain-local excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons, astrocytes and vascular cells (pericytes, vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells), and their modulation by ascending projection neurons-contribute to both metabolism and haemodynamic changes. Here, we review the contributions of each cell type to the regulation of cerebral blood flow and metabolism, and discuss situations where a simplified interpretation of the BOLD response as reporting local excitatory activity may misrepresent important biological phenomena, for example with regards to arousal states, ageing and neurological disease. This article is part of the theme issue 'Key relationships between non-invasive functional neuroimaging and the underlying neuronal activity'.

Heterogeneity of Sensory-Induced Astrocytic Ca2+ Dynamics During Functional Hyperemia

Astrocytic Ca²⁺ fluctuations associated with functional hyperemia have typically been measured from large cellular compartments such as the soma, the whole arbor and the endfoot. The most prominent Ca²⁺ event is a large magnitude, delayed signal that follows vasodilation. However, previous work has provided little information about the spatio-temporal properties of such Ca²⁺ transients or their heterogeneity. Here, using an awake, in vivo two-photon fluorescence-imaging model, we performed detailed profiling of delayed astrocytic Ca²⁺ signals across astrocytes or within individual astrocyte compartments using small regions of interest next to penetrating arterioles and capillaries along with vasomotor responses to vibrissae stimulation. We demonstrated that while a 5-s air puff that stimulates all whiskers predominantly generated reproducible functional hyperemia in the presence or absence of astrocytic Ca²⁺ changes, whisker stimulation inconsistently produced astrocytic Ca²⁺ responses. More importantly, these Ca²⁺ responses were heterogeneous among subcellular structures of the astrocyte and across different astrocytes that resided within the same field of view. Furthermore, we found that whisker stimulation induced discrete Ca²⁺ “hot spots” that spread regionally within the endfoot. These data reveal that astrocytic Ca²⁺ dynamics associated with the microvasculature are more complex than previously thought, and highlight the importance of considering the heterogeneity of astrocytic Ca²⁺ activity to fully understanding neurovascular coupling.

Astrocytes in the regulation of cerebrovascular functions

Astrocytes are the most numerous type of neuroglia in the brain and have a predominant influence on the cerebrovascular system; they control perivascular homeostasis, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, the dialogue with the peripheral immune system, the transfer of metabolites from the blood, and blood vessel contractility in response to neuronal activity. These regulatory processes occur in a specialized interface composed of perivascular astrocyte extensions that almost completely cover the cerebral blood vessels. Scientists have only recently started to study how this interface is formed and how it influences cerebrovascular functions. Here, we review the literature on the astrocytes' role in the regulation of the cerebrovascular system. We cover the anatomy and development of the gliovascular interface, the known gliovascular functions, and molecular factors, the latter's implication in certain pathophysiological situations, and recent cutting-edge experimental tools developed to examine the astrocytes' role at the vascular interface. Finally, we highlight some open questions in this field of research.

Structural basis of astrocytic Ca2+ signals at tripartite synapses

Astrocytic Ca²⁺ signals can be fast and local, supporting the idea that astrocytes have the ability to regulate single synapses. However, the anatomical basis of such specific signaling remains unclear, owing to difficulties in resolving the spongiform domain of astrocytes where most tripartite synapses are located. Using 3D-STED microscopy in living organotypic brain slices, we imaged the spongiform domain of astrocytes and observed a reticular meshwork of nodes and shafts that often formed loop-like structures. These anatomical features were also observed in acute hippocampal slices and in barrel cortex in vivo. The majority of dendritic spines were contacted by nodes and their sizes were correlated. FRAP experiments and Ca²⁺ imaging showed that nodes were biochemical compartments and Ca²⁺ microdomains. Mapping astrocytic Ca²⁺ signals onto STED images of nodes and dendritic spines showed they were associated with individual synapses. Here, we report on the nanoscale organization of astrocytes, identifying nodes as a functional astrocytic component of tripartite synapses that may enable synapse-specific communication between neurons and astrocytes.

Astrocytic Ca²⁺ signals can be fast and local, supporting the idea that astrocytes have the ability to regulate single synapses. Here, the authors report the organization of astrocytes at nanoscale level and identify nodes as a functional astrocytic component of tripartite synapses.

Friend, Foe or Both? Immune Activity in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by the presence of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), neuronal death and synaptic loss, and inflammation in the brain. AD research has, in large part, been dedicated to the understanding of Aβ and NFT deposition as well as to the pharmacological reduction of these hallmarks. However, recent GWAS data indicates neuroinflammation plays a critical role in AD development, thereby redirecting research efforts toward unveiling the complexities of AD-associated neuroinflammation. It is clear that the innate immune system is intimately associated with AD progression, however, the specific roles of glia and neuroinflammation in AD pathology remain to be described. Moreover, inflammatory processes have largely been painted as detrimental to AD pathology, when in fact, many immune mechanisms such as phagocytosis aid in the reduction of AD pathologies. In this review, we aim to outline the delicate balance between the beneficial and detrimental aspects of immune activation in AD as a more thorough understanding of these processes is critical to development of effective therapeutics for AD.

Mapping optogenetically-driven single-vessel fMRI with concurrent neuronal calcium recordings in the rat hippocampus

Extensive in vivo imaging studies investigate the hippocampal neural network function, mainly focusing on the dorsal CA1 region given its optical accessibility. Multi-modality fMRI with simultaneous hippocampal electrophysiological recording reveal broad cortical correlation patterns, but the detailed spatial hippocampal functional map remains lacking given the limited fMRI resolution. In particular, hemodynamic responses linked to specific neural activity are unclear at the single-vessel level across hippocampal vasculature, which hinders the deciphering of the hippocampal malfunction in animal models and the translation to critical neurovascular coupling (NVC) patterns for human fMRI. We simultaneously acquired optogenetically-driven neuronal Ca2+ signals with single-vessel blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) and cerebral-blood-volume (CBV)-fMRI from individual venules and arterioles. Distinct spatiotemporal patterns of hippocampal hemodynamic responses were correlated to optogenetically evoked and spreading depression-like calcium events. The calcium event-related single-vessel hemodynamic modeling revealed significantly reduced NVC efficiency upon spreading depression-like (SDL) events, providing a direct measure of the NVC function at various hippocampal states.

Sensory Stimulation-Induced Astrocytic Calcium Signaling in Electrically Silent Ischemic Penumbra

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induces ischemia characterized by a densely ischemic focus, and a less densely ischemic penumbral zone in which neurons and astrocytes display age-dependent dynamic variations in spontaneous Ca²⁺ activities. However, it is unknown whether penumbral nerve cells respond to sensory stimulation early after stroke onset, which is critical for understanding stimulation-induced stroke therapy. In this study, we investigated the ischemic penumbra’s capacity to respond to somatosensory input. We examined adult (3- to 4-month-old) and old (18- to 24-month-old) male mice at 2–4 h after MCAO, using two-photon microscopy to record somatosensory stimulation-induced neuronal and astrocytic Ca²⁺ signals in the ischemic penumbra. In both adult and old mice, MCAO abolished spontaneous and stimulation-induced electrical activity in the penumbra, and strongly reduced stimulation-induced Ca²⁺ responses in neuronal somas (35–82%) and neuropil (92–100%) in the penumbra. In comparison, after stroke, stimulation-induced astrocytic Ca²⁺ responses in the penumbra were only moderately reduced (by 54–62%) in adult mice, and were even better preserved (reduced by 31–38%) in old mice. Our results suggest that somatosensory stimulation evokes astrocytic Ca²⁺ activity in the ischemic penumbra. We hypothesize that the relatively preserved excitability of astrocytes, most prominent in aged mice, may modulate protection from ischemic infarcts during early somatosensory activation of an ischemic cortical area. Future neuroprotective efforts in stroke may target spontaneous or stimulation-induced activity of astrocytes in the ischemic penumbra.

Vascular and neural basis of the BOLD signal

Neural activity in the brain is usually coupled to increases in local cerebral blood flow, leading to the increase in oxygenation that generates the BOLD fMRI signal. Recent work has begun to elucidate the vascular and neural mechanisms underlying the BOLD signal. The dilatory response is distributed throughout the vascular network. Arteries actively dilate within a second following neural activity increases, while venous distensions are passive and have a time course that last tens of seconds. Vasodilation, and thus local blood flow, is controlled by the activity of both neurons and astrocytes via multiple different pathways. The relationship between sensory-driven neural activity and the vascular dynamics in sensory areas are well-captured with a linear convolution model. However, depending on the behavioral state or brain region, the coupling between neural activity and hemodynamic signals can be weak or even inverted.

Peeking into the sleeping brain: Using in vivo imaging in rodents to understand the relationship between sleep and cognition

Sleep is well known to benefit cognitive function. In particular, sleep has been shown to enhance learning and memory in both humans and animals. While the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, it has been suggested that brain activity during sleep modulates neuronal communication through synaptic plasticity. These insights were mostly gained using electrophysiology to monitor ongoing large scale and single cell activity. While these efforts were instrumental in the characterisation of important network and cellular activity during sleep, several aspects underlying cognition are beyond the reach of this technology. Neuronal circuit activity is dynamically regulated via the precise interaction of different neuronal and non-neuronal cell types and relies on subtle modifications of individual synapses. In contrast to established electrophysiological approaches, recent advances in imaging techniques, mainly applied in rodents, provide unprecedented access to these aspects of neuronal function in vivo. In this review, we describe various techniques currently available for in vivo brain imaging, from single synapse to large scale network activity. We discuss the advantages and limitations of these approaches in the context of sleep research and describe which particular aspects related to cognition lend themselves to this kind of investigation. Finally, we review the few studies that used in vivo imaging in rodents to investigate the sleeping brain and discuss how the results have already significantly contributed to a better understanding on the complex relation between sleep and plasticity across development and adulthood.

Augmented astrocyte microdomain Ca2+ dynamics and parenchymal arteriole tone in angiotensin II-infused hypertensive mice

Hypertension is an important contributor to cognitive decline but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Although much focus has been placed on the effect of hypertension on vascular function, less is understood of its effects on nonvascular cells. Because astrocytes and parenchymal arterioles (PA) form a functional unit (neurovascular unit), we tested the hypothesis that hypertension-induced changes in PA tone concomitantly increases astrocyte Ca²⁺ . We used cortical brain slices from 8-week-old mice to measure myogenic responses from pressurized and perfused PA. Chronic hypertension was induced in mice by 28-day angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion; PA resting tone and myogenic responses increased significantly. In addition, chronic hypertension significantly increased spontaneous Ca²⁺ events within astrocyte microdomains (MD). Similarly, a significant increase in astrocyte Ca²⁺ was observed during PA myogenic responses supporting enhanced vessel-to-astrocyte signaling. The transient potential receptor vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel, expressed in astrocyte processes in contact with blood vessels, namely endfeet, respond to hemodynamic stimuli such as increased pressure/flow. Supporting a role for TRPV4 channels in aberrant astrocyte Ca²⁺ dynamics in hypertension, cortical astrocytes from hypertensive mice showed augmented TRPV4 channel expression, currents and Ca²⁺ responses to the selective channel agonist GSK1016790A. In addition, pharmacological TRPV4 channel blockade or genetic deletion abrogated enhanced hypertension-induced increases in PA tone. Together, these data suggest chronic hypertension increases PA tone and Ca²⁺ events within astrocytes MD. We conclude that aberrant Ca²⁺ events in astrocyte constitute an early event toward the progression of cognitive decline.

Spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ activity abounds in electrically suppressed ischemic penumbra of aged mice

Experimental focal cortical ischemic lesions consist of an ischemic core and a potentially salvageable peri-ischemic region, the ischemic penumbra. The activity of neurons and astrocytes is assumed to be suppressed in the penumbra because the electrical function is interrupted, but this is incompletely elucidated. Most experimental stroke studies used young adult animals, whereas stroke is prevalent in the elderly population. Using two-photon imaging in vivo, we here demonstrate extensive but electrically silent, spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity in neurons and astrocytes in the ischemic penumbra of 18- to 24-month-old mice 2-4 hr after middle cerebral artery occlusion. In comparison, stroke reduced spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity in neurons and astrocytes in adult mice (3-4 months of age). In aged mice, stroke increased astrocytic spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity considerably while neuronal spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity was unchanged. Blockade of action potentials and of purinergic receptors strongly reduced spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity in both neurons and astrocytes in the penumbra of old stroke mice. This indicates that stroke had a direct influence on mechanisms in presynaptic terminals and on purinergic signaling. Thus, highly dynamic variations in spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity characterize the electrically compromised penumbra, with remarkable differences between adult and old mice. The data are consistent with the notion that aged neurons and astrocytes take on a different phenotype than young mice. The increased activity of the aged astrocyte phenotype may be harmful to neurons. We suggest that the abundant spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity in astrocytes in the ischemic penumbra of old mice may be a novel target for neuroprotection strategies. A video abstract of this article can be found at https://youtu.be/AKlwKFsz1qE.

In Vivo Imaging of Microglia With Multiphoton Microscopy

Neuroimaging has become an unparalleled tool to understand the central nervous system (CNS) anatomy, physiology and neurological diseases. While an altered immune function and microglia hyperactivation are common neuropathological features for many CNS disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, direct assessment of the role of microglial cells remains a challenging task. Non-invasive neuroimaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and single positron emission computed tomography (SPECT) are widely used for human clinical applications, and a variety of ligands are available to detect neuroinflammation. In animal models, intravital imaging has been largely used, and minimally invasive multiphoton microcopy (MPM) provides high resolution detection of single microglia cells, longitudinally, in living brain. In this study, we review in vivo real-time MPM approaches to assess microglia in preclinical studies, including individual cell responses in surveillance, support, protection and restoration of brain tissue integrity, synapse formation, homeostasis, as well as in different pathological situations. We focus on in vivo studies that assess the role of microglia in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), analyzing microglial motility and recruitment, as well as the role of microglia in anti-amyloid-β treatment, as a key therapeutic approach to treat AD. Altogether, MPM provides a high contrast and high spatial resolution approach to follow microglia chronically in vivo in complex models, supporting MPM as a powerful tool for deep intravital tissue imaging.

In Vivo Two Photon Imaging of Astrocytic Structure and Function in Alzheimer's Disease

The physiological function of the neurovascular unit is critically dependent upon the complex structure and functions of astrocytes for optimal preservation of cerebral homeostasis. While it has been shown that astrocytes exhibit aberrant changes in both structure and function in transgenic murine models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it is not fully understood how this altered phenotype contributes to the pathogenesis of AD or whether this alteration predicts a therapeutic target in AD. The mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal relationship between astrocytes, neurons and the vasculature in their orchestrated regulation of local cerebral flow in active brain regions has not been fully elucidated in brain physiology and in AD. As there is an incredible urgency to identify therapeutic targets that are well-tolerated and efficacious in protecting the brain against the pathological impact of AD, here we use the current body of literature to evaluate the hypothesis that pathological changes in astrocytes are central to the pathogenesis of AD. We also examine the current tools available to assess astrocytic calcium signaling in the living murine brain as it has an important role in the complex interaction between astrocytes, neurons and the vasculature. Furthermore, we discuss the altered function of astrocytes in their interaction with neurons in the preservation of glutamate homeostasis and additionally address the role of astrocytes at the vascular interface and their contribution to functional hyperemia within the living murine brain in health and in AD.

Cortical Circuit Activity Evokes Rapid Astrocyte Calcium Signals on a Similar Timescale to Neurons

Sensory stimulation evokes intracellular calcium signals in astrocytes; however, the timing of these signals is disputed. Here, we used novel combinations of genetically encoded calcium indicators for concurrent two-photon imaging of cortical astrocytes and neurons in awake mice during whisker deflection. We identified calcium responses in both astrocyte processes and endfeet that rapidly followed neuronal events (∼120 ms after). These fast astrocyte responses were largely independent of IP₃R2-mediated signaling and known neuromodulator activity (acetylcholine, serotonin, and norepinephrine), suggesting that they are evoked by local synaptic activity. The existence of such rapid signals implies that astrocytes are fast enough to play a role in synaptic modulation and neurovascular coupling. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

On the Role of Store-Operated Calcium Entry in Acute and Chronic Neurodegenerative Diseases

In both excitable and non-excitable cells, calcium (Ca²⁺) signals are maintained by a highly integrated process involving store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), namely the opening of plasma membrane (PM) Ca²⁺ channels following the release of Ca²⁺ from intracellular stores. Upon depletion of Ca²⁺ store, the stromal interaction molecule (STIM) senses Ca²⁺ level reduction and migrates from endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-like sites to the PM where it activates the channel proteins Orai and/or the transient receptor potential channels (TRPC) prompting Ca²⁺ refilling. Accumulating evidence suggests that SOCE dysregulation may trigger perturbation of intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling in neurons, glia or hematopoietic cells, thus participating to the pathogenesis of diverse neurodegenerative diseases. Under acute conditions, such as ischemic stroke, neuronal SOCE can either re-establish Ca²⁺ homeostasis or mediate Ca²⁺ overload, thus providing a non-excitotoxic mechanism of ischemic neuronal death. The dualistic role of SOCE in brain ischemia is further underscored by the evidence that it also participates to endothelial restoration and to the stabilization of intravascular thrombi. In Parkinson's disease (PD) models, loss of SOCE triggers ER stress and dysfunction/degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Disruption of neuronal SOCE also underlies Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, since both in genetic mouse models and in human sporadic AD brain samples, reduced SOCE contributes to synaptic loss and cognitive decline. Unlike the AD setting, in the striatum from Huntington's disease (HD) transgenic mice, an increased STIM2 expression causes elevated synaptic SOCE that was suggested to underlie synaptic loss in medium spiny neurons. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of SOCE is beneficial to synapse maintenance in HD models, whereas the same approach may be anticipated to be detrimental to cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons. On the other hand, up-regulation of SOCE may be beneficial during AD. These intriguing findings highlight the importance of further mechanistic studies to dissect the molecular pathways, and their corresponding targets, involved in synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss during aging and neurodegenerative diseases.