Abstract
The adult hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system (HNS) comprises the cell bodies of the magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus, located in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, and their axons that project onto the neurohypophysis, where they release oxytocin and vasopressin directly in the bloodstream. Oxytocin governs parturition and lactation, while vasopressin is the antidiuretic hormone and a vasopressor. The HNS undergoes a remarkable reversible, activity-dependent morphological neuroglial plasticity during lactation and dehydration. Here we summarize how this made it a seminal model to study the physiological contribution of the astrocytic environment to synaptic signaling. We show first that reduction in glial processes modifies local glutamate level at the synapse by reducing its uptake, and thus affects homosynaptic strength. Second, it also changes neurotransmitter diffusion, and as a result contributes to inter-synaptic crosstalk between glutamate and GABAergic inputs through metabotropic and kainate receptors. Finally it hampers the contribution of astrocytes to glutamatergic synaptic communication through d-serine gliotransmission. Astrocytes thus dynamically dictate the tenor of brain signaling.
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Further Recommended Reading
Tasker JG, Voisin DL, Armstrong WE (2017) The cell biology of oxytocin and vasopressin cells. In: Pfaff DW, Joëls M (eds) Hormones, brain, and behavior, 3rd edn. Academic, Oxford, pp 305–336
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Voisin, D.L., Panatier, A., Oliet, S.H.R. (2021). Functional Consequences of Morphological Plasticity in the Adult Hypothalamo-Neurohypophysial System. In: Tasker, J.G., Bains, J.S., Chowen, J.A. (eds) Glial-Neuronal Signaling in Neuroendocrine Systems. Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology, vol 11. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62383-8_2
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