title: Role of Astroglial Hemichannels and Pannexons in Memory and Neurodegenerative Diseases.
abstract: Under physiological conditions, astroglial hemichannels and pannexons allow the release of gliotransmitters from astrocytes. These gliotransmitters are critical in modulating synaptic transmission, plasticity and memory. However, recent evidence suggests that under pathological conditions, they may be central in the development of various neurodegenerative diseases. Here we review current literature on the role of astroglial hemichannels and pannexons in memory, stress and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, and propose that they are not only crucial for normal brain function, including memory, but also a potential target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Juan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Orellana
authors.affiliation: Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Mauricio A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Retamal
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Andres Bello Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moraga-Amaro
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Andres Bello Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Jimmy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stehberg
keywords: Cx hemichannels; astrocytes; connexin 43; connexin hemichannels; memory; pannexin