Vesicular transmitter release from astrocytes.
Astrocytes can release a variety of transmitters, including glutamate and ATP, in response to stimuli that induce increases in intracellular Ca(2+) levels. This release occurs via a regulated, exocytotic pathway. As evidence of this, astrocytes express protein components of the vesicular secretory apparatus, including synaptobrevin 2, syntaxin, and SNAP-23. Additionally, astrocytes possess vesicular organelles, the essential morphological elements required for regulated Ca(2+)-dependent transmitter release. The location of specific exocytotic sites on these cells, however, remains to be unequivocally determined.
Montana
Vedrana
V
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, University of California, Riverside, California.
Malarkey
Erik B
EB
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, University of California, Riverside, California.
Verderio
Claudia
C
Department of Medical Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionalle delle Ricerche Institute of Neuroscience, University of Milano, Milano, Italy.
Matteoli
Michela
M
Department of Medical Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionalle delle Ricerche Institute of Neuroscience, University of Milano, Milano, Italy.
Parpura
Vladimir
V
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, University of California, Riverside, California.
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D022162:Cytoplasmic Vesicles / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005089:Exocytosis / Q000502:physiology; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D018698:Glutamic Acid