Modulation of neurotransmission by reciprocal synapse-glial interactions at the neuromuscular junction.
Perisynaptic Schwann cells are glial cells that are closely associated with pre- and postsynaptic elements of the neuromuscular junction. Recent evidence shows that these cells detect and modulate neurotransmission in an activity-dependent fashion. Through G-protein signalling and Ca(2+) released from internal stores they can decrease or increase neurotransmitter release, respectively. Thus, they help to establish the level of neurotransmission associated with activity dependent short-term synaptic plasticity. We discuss evidence implicating perisynaptic Schwann cells as being active partners in neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction, with emphasis on the modulation of short-term plasticity and potential implications for long-term changes.
Auld
Daniel S
DS
Département de physiologie, Université de Montréal, Centre de Recherche en Sciences Neurologiques, PO-Box 6128, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.
Colomar
Aurore
A
Bélair
Eve-Lyne
EL
Castonguay
Annie
A
Pinard
Audrée
A
Rousse
Isabelle
I
Thomas
Sébastien
S
Robitaille
Richard
R
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*