Astrocytes contribute to gamma oscillations and recognition memory
Abstract
Astrocytes are well placed to modulate neural activity. However, the functions typically attributed to astrocytes are associated with a temporal dimension significantly slower than the timescale of synaptic transmission of neurons. Consequently, it has been assumed that astrocytes do not play a major role in modulating fast neural network dynamics known to underlie cognitive behavior. By creating a transgenic mouse in which vesicular release from astrocytes can be reversibly blocked, we found that astrocytes are necessary for novel object recognition behavior and to maintain functional gamma oscillations both in vitro and in awake-behaving animals. Our findings reveal an unexpected role for astrocytes in neural information processing and cognition.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- August 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1410893111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..111E3343L