Abstract
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 Ca2+-dependent transmitter release. The location of specific exocytotic sites on these cells, however, remains to be unequivocally determined.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 700-715 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | GLIA |
Volume | 54 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 15 2006 |
Keywords
- ATP
- Ca excitability
- Exocytosis
- Glutamate
- SNARE proteins
- Synapse
- Vesicle
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology