Abstract
Glial modulation of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability in the mammalian retina is mediated by several mechanisms. Stimulation of glial cells evokes Ca2+ waves, which propagate through the network of retinal astrocytes and Müller cells and result in the modulation of the activity of neighboring ganglion cells. Light-evoked spiking is enhanced in some ganglion cells and depressed in others. A facilitation or depression of light-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents is also seen in ganglion cells following glial stimulation. In addition, stimulation of glial cells evokes a sustained hyperpolarizing current in ganglion cells which is mediated by ATP release from Müller cells and activation of neuronal A1 adenosine receptors. Recent studies reveal that light-evoked activity in retinal neurons results in an increase in the frequency of Ca2+ transients in Müller cells. Thus, there is two-way communication between neurons and glial cells, suggesting that glia contribute to information processing in the retina.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 268-274 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Glia |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 15 2004 |
Keywords
- ATP
- Astrocyte
- Calcium wave
- Depression
- Enhancement
- Glutamate
- Müller cell
- Neuron
- Synapse