Research Project
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
Astrocytes release transmitters such as glutamate and lactate. We investigated how these transmitters are released from astrocytes. Excitatory neurons release glutamate and this glutamate activates glutamate transporters in astrocytes. Uptake of glutamate via glutamate transporters cause intracellular acidification in astrocytes. We found that ion flux and the resulting acidification trigger opening of volume-sensitive anion channels in astrocytes. Then glutamate anion is released through this channels. We also found that optogenetic alkalization of astocytes by photostimulation of archaerhodpsin in astrocytes enhanced extracellular lactate level. These results suggest that ion flux and the resulting pH fluctuation strongly regulates gliotransmitter release in astrocytes.
All 2018 2016
All Journal Article (1 results) (of which Peer Reviewed: 1 results, Open Access: 1 results) Presentation (2 results) (of which Int'l Joint Research: 1 results)
Scientific Reports
Volume: -
