Glial processes are glued to synapses via Ca(2+)-permeable glutamate receptors

Trends Neurosci. 2002 Jan;25(1):5-6. doi: 10.1016/s0166-2236(00)01993-7.

Abstract

Bergmann glia in the cerebellum elaborately ensheathe Purkinje cell dendrites and synapses, and express high levels of Ca(2+)-permeable glutamate receptors (GluRs). Suppression of the Ca(2+) permeability by virus-mediated GluR2 transfer has revealed that GluR-mediated Ca(2+) signaling is essential to maintain both structural and functional connections between the glial cell and the glutamatergic synapses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Transport System X-AG / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neuroglia / metabolism*
  • Neuroglia / ultrastructure
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Purkinje Cells / cytology
  • Purkinje Cells / metabolism*
  • Receptors, AMPA / metabolism*
  • Synapses / metabolism*
  • Synapses / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Amino Acid Transport System X-AG
  • Receptors, AMPA
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Calcium