According the effects of astrocyte in synaptic plasticity and neural function, it's not out of mind that astrocyte may play an important roles in formation and retrieval of spatial memory. But I’m looking for the related mechanism(s).I'll be appreciate who help me to finding my answer.
Hi Hossein:
Nice question... Well, astrocytes have been involved in synaptic physiology as energetic suppliers. They also have an important role in NT clearance, which is a crucial function for neuronal signalling and all the underlying processes (cognitive or not) for review see: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16261178. A more cannonical point of view about synaptogenesis and astrocytes is provided here http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21068831
An interesting function of astrocytes over synapse physiology is the so-called synaptic engulfement, in which they mediate synapse elimination, more than formation. Is a kind of refinemennt of a pre-existent network that coul be involved in memory formation (through synaptic elimination) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24270812
However it's difficult to translate these results into behaviours, although there is a recent paper in which authors link a cognitive improvement with astrocytic function in hippocampus http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24727294. There are also papers in which changes in astrocytic function/morphology are correlated with behavioural tasks performance or environmental enrichment http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19374889
Hope it helps,
cheers
Jorge
Hi Hossein:
Nice question... Well, astrocytes have been involved in synaptic physiology as energetic suppliers. They also have an important role in NT clearance, which is a crucial function for neuronal signalling and all the underlying processes (cognitive or not) for review see: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16261178. A more cannonical point of view about synaptogenesis and astrocytes is provided here http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21068831
An interesting function of astrocytes over synapse physiology is the so-called synaptic engulfement, in which they mediate synapse elimination, more than formation. Is a kind of refinemennt of a pre-existent network that coul be involved in memory formation (through synaptic elimination) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24270812
However it's difficult to translate these results into behaviours, although there is a recent paper in which authors link a cognitive improvement with astrocytic function in hippocampus http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24727294. There are also papers in which changes in astrocytic function/morphology are correlated with behavioural tasks performance or environmental enrichment http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19374889
Hope it helps,
cheers
Jorge
This paper should answer your question: "Astrocyte-neuron lactate transport is required for long-term memory formation." Cell 2011. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=21376239).
Dear Sarah
Thanks for your comment. I read that paper before. But this problem is more complex. I think that paper indicated one roles of astrocyte in spatial memory and astrocyte by lactate modulate maintenance of spatial memory.
Dear Jorge
Thanks for your valuable comment. You indicated exact point of my question. The problem is finding the relationship between astrocyte capability and spatial memory to find the mechanisms. Those items and papers that you pointed out, I think maybe related to the mapping the data of entorhinal cortex to CA1 area of hippocampus. This is another role of astrocyte in spatial memory.
Salam
Astrocytes are differed from neurons; they do not produce signalling, instead they maintain the stable neuronal microenvironment and also help the neurons to remain healthy and have healthy connections (synapses). Therefore, they are not quick responsing elements in any changes of spatial memory and behavior. Astrocytes are involved in spatial memory but they are late activated. For example, they start affecting the behavior after their failure in maintaining stable conditions. Thereafter, they make the condition worse.
Dear Mahmoud
thanks for your contribution. Astrocytes have different Ca signaling like spoty local and global signaling. They produce various kind of gliotransmitters such as ATP, Glutamate,... Therefor they directly effect on synaptic function and pre and post synaptic neuron activites.
See ("Axon-Glial Signaling and the Glial Support of Axon Function'' 2008)
Spatial memory is result of such neural activities. So astrocytes should have important roles.
Hi,
If I am not mistaking, astrocytes might participate to the generation of oscillatory activity, that plays a role in the learning and memory...
Dear Thomas
That's right. Theta wave is important in spatial memory and also in sleep. On the other hand astrocytes have important effects on generation of theta wave. But maybe in rare papers directly show these effects. I haven't seen yet.
Dear Shivendra
Thanks a lot. I had it before. That is a nice paper. please see my paper too and let me know your comments about it.
"Mechanisms of hippocampal astrocytes mediation of spatial memory and theta rhythm by gliotransmitters and growth factors"
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