Ion Homeostasis in Rhythmogenesis: The Interplay Between Neurons and Astroglia
Abstract
Proper function of all excitable cells depends on ion homeostasis. Nowhere is this more critical than in the brain where the extracellular concentration of some ions determines neurons' firing pattern and ability to encode information. Several neuronal functions depend on the ability of neurons to change their firing pattern to a rhythmic bursting pattern, whereas, in some circuits, rhythmic firing is, on the contrary, associated to pathologies like epilepsy or Parkinson's disease. In this review, we focus on the four main ions known to fluctuate during rhythmic firing: calcium, potassium, sodium, and chloride. We discuss the synergistic interactions between these elements to promote an oscillatory activity. We also review evidence supporting an important role for astrocytes in the homeostasis of each of these ions and describe mechanisms by which astrocytes may regulate neuronal firing by altering their extracellular concentrations. A particular emphasis is put on the mechanisms underlying rhythmogenesis in the circuit forming the central pattern generator (CPG) for mastication and other CPG systems. Finally, we discuss how an impairment in the ability of glial cells to maintain such homeostasis may result in pathologies like ...Continue Reading
References
Changes in extracellular potassium during the spontaneous activity of medullary respiratory neurones
Neuronal discharge patterns in the occipital cortex of developing rats during active and quiet sleep
A TTX-sensitive conductance underlying burst firing in isolated pyramidal neurons from rat neocortex
Chloride-cotransport blockade desynchronizes neuronal discharge in the "epileptic" hippocampal slice
Citations
Functional Connectivity Between the Trigeminal Main Sensory Nucleus and the Trigeminal Motor Nucleus
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