title: Glia: A Neglected Player in Non-invasive Direct Current Brain Stimulation.
abstract: Non-invasive electrical brain stimulation by application of direct current (DCS) promotes plasticity in neuronal networks in vitro and in in vivo. This effect has been mainly attributed to the direct modulation of neurons. Glia represents approximately 50% of cells in the brain. Glial cells are electrically active and participate in synaptic plasticity. Despite of that, effects of DCS on glial structures and on interaction with neurons are only sparsely investigated. In this perspectives article we review the current literature, present own dose response data and provide a framework for future research from two points of view: first, the direct effects of DCS on glia and second, the contribution of glia to DCS related neuronal plasticity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Freiburg Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Anne-Kathrin
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Gellner
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Freiburg Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Janine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Freiburg Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Brita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fritsch
keywords: astrocyte; microglia; motor cortex; non-invasive electrical brain stimulation; tDCS