Glial modulation of synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction.
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a cholinergic synapse that controls muscle contraction. Glial cells, called perisynaptic Schwann cells, surround nerve terminals at the NMJ. Transmitter release induced by repetitive nerve stimulation, elicit a frequency-dependent activation of G-protein-coupled receptors on perisynaptic Schwann cells and the release of calcium from internal stores. In return, perisynaptic Schwann cells modulate synaptic activity during and following high-frequency stimulation through short-term plasticity. In the present review, we discuss evidence of glial involvement in the short-term plasticity at the NMJ and the potential impact of such modulation on synaptic efficacy.
Colomar
Aurore
A
Centre de Recherche en Sciences Neurologiques, Département de Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Paul-G Desmarais, 2960 Chemin de la Tour, PO-Box 6128, Poste Centre-Ville H3C 3J7 Montreal, QC, Canada.
Robitaille
Richard
R
Centre de Recherche en Sciences Neurologiques, Département de Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Paul-G Desmarais, 2960 Chemin de la Tour, PO-Box 6128, Poste Centre-Ville H3C 3J7 Montreal, QC, Canada.
D000818:Animals; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000502:physiology; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled