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A dialogue between glia and neurons in the retina: modulation of neuronal excitability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 April 2005

ERIC A. NEWMAN
ERIC A. NEWMAN
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota
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Abstract

Bidirectional signaling between neurons and glial cells has been demonstrated in brain slices and is believed to mediate glial modulation of synaptic transmission in the CNS. Our laboratory has characterized similar neuron–glia signaling in the mammalian retina. We find that light-evoked neuronal activity elicits Ca2+ increases in Müller cells, which are specialized retinal glial cells. Neuron to glia signaling is likely mediated by the release of ATP from neurons and is potentiated by adenosine. Glia to neuron signaling has also been observed and is mediated by several mechanisms. Stimulation of glial cells can result in either facilitation or depression of synaptic transmission. Release of D-serine from Müller cells might also potentiate NMDA receptor transmission. Müller cells directly inhibit ganglion cells by releasing ATP, which, following hydrolysis to adenosine, activates neuronal A1 receptors. The existence of bidirectional signaling mechanisms indicates that glial cells participate in information processing in the retina.

Keywords

CalciumastrocyteMüller cellglial cellretinaATPadenosinelight responseganglion cell
Type
Research Article
Information
Neuron Glia Biology , Volume 1 , Issue 3 , August 2004 , pp. 245 - 252
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2005

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