Differences in glutamate uptake between cortical regions impact neuronal NMDA receptor activation

Open access
Date
2019Type
- Journal Article
Citations
Cited 17 times in
Web of Science
Cited 18 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Removal of synaptically-released glutamate by astrocytes is necessary to spatially and temporally limit neuronal activation. Recent evidence suggests that astrocytes may have specialized functions in specific circuits, but the extent and significance of such specialization are unclear. By performing direct patch-clamp recordings and two-photon glutamate imaging, we report that in the somatosensory cortex, glutamate uptake by astrocytes is slower during sustained synaptic stimulation when compared to lower stimulation frequencies. Conversely, glutamate uptake capacity is increased in the frontal cortex during higher frequency synaptic stimulation, thereby limiting extracellular buildup of glutamate and NMDA receptor activation in layer 5 pyramidal neurons. This efficient glutamate clearance relies on Na+/K+-ATPase function and both GLT-1 and non-GLT-1 transporters. Thus, by enhancing their glutamate uptake capacity, astrocytes in the frontal cortex may prevent excessive neuronal excitation during intense synaptic activity. These results may explain why diseases associated with network hyperexcitability differentially affect individual brain areas. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000361669Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Communications BiologyVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Nature Publishing GroupOrganisational unit
03742 - Zeilhofer, Hanns U. / Zeilhofer, Hanns U.
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Show all metadata
Citations
Cited 17 times in
Web of Science
Cited 18 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
Altmetrics