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      Astroglial networks scale synaptic activity and plasticity.

      Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
      Animals, Astrocytes, physiology, Connexin 43, Connexins, Gap Junctions, Glutamic Acid, metabolism, Hippocampus, Mice, Nerve Net, Neuronal Plasticity, Potassium, Synapses, Synaptic Transmission

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          Abstract

          Astrocytes dynamically interact with neurons to regulate synaptic transmission. Although the gap junction proteins connexin 30 (Cx30) and connexin 43 (Cx43) mediate the extensive network organization of astrocytes, their role in synaptic physiology is unknown. Here we show, by inactivating Cx30 and Cx43 genes, that astroglial networks tone down hippocampal synaptic transmission in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Gap junctional networking facilitates extracellular glutamate and potassium removal during synaptic activity through modulation of astroglial clearance rate and extracellular space volume. This regulation limits neuronal excitability, release probability, and insertion of postsynaptic AMPA receptors, silencing synapses. By controlling synaptic strength, connexins play an important role in synaptic plasticity. Altogether, these results establish connexins as critical proteins for extracellular homeostasis, important for the formation of functional synapses.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          21536893
          3100942
          10.1073/pnas.1016650108

          Chemistry
          Animals,Astrocytes,physiology,Connexin 43,Connexins,Gap Junctions,Glutamic Acid,metabolism,Hippocampus,Mice,Nerve Net,Neuronal Plasticity,Potassium,Synapses,Synaptic Transmission

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