G Proteins-Associated Dose-Dependent Effects of Oxytocin on Oxytocin Neuronal Activity and Astrocytic Plasticity of the Supraoptic Nucleus.

ABSTRACT: Dose-dependent neuromodulation has been well established; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying astrocytic involvement in this process remain largely unexplored. Using the autoregulation of supraoptic oxytocin (OT) neurons (OTNs) as a model, we investigated the role of distinct astrocytic G proteins and their targets in the dose-dependent effects of OT on OTN activity. The results showed that OT in a low concentration (10 pmol/L, L-OT) excited OTN activity, whereas a high concentration (1 nmol/L, H-OT) inhibited it in brain slices. These effects were abolished upon disruption of astrocytic plasticity using L-aminoadipic acid, a gliotoxin. In primary astrocyte cultures, L-OT slightly reduced the current through astrocyte-specific inwardly rectifying K⁺ channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) while H-OT

SUBMITTER: Liu XY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559076 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature