Definition
The old paradigm considering brain function solely relying on communication between the pre- and the postsynaptic neuronal compartments has been altered in recent years by the addition of glial cells and in particular astrocytes, as integral actors of this communication process. The close association of astrocytes with presynaptic terminals and postsynaptic spines generates a complex interconnected hub referred to as the tripartite synapses in which astrocytes ensheathe synapses, thereby providing an additional level of complexity to classical synaptic communication (Volterra et al. 2002). Such interaction involves a complex and multifaceted bidirectional communication between astrocytes and pre- and postsynaptic components. A number of computational models have been developed throughout the years to help shed some light on the mechanisms that take place in tripartite synapses and regulate synaptic potency, synaptic plasticity, and consequently learning and memory.
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Bouteiller, JM., Berger, T.W. (2015). Tripartite Synapse (Neuron–Astrocyte Interactions), Conductance Models. In: Jaeger, D., Jung, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Computational Neuroscience. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7320-6_363-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7320-6_363-2
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Tripartite Synapse (Neuron–Astrocyte Interactions), Conductance Models- Published:
- 26 September 2015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7320-6_363-2
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Tripartite Synapse (Neuron–Astrocyte Interactions), Conductance Models- Published:
- 21 March 2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7320-6_363-1