Microglia-derived purines modulate mossy fibre synaptic transmission and plasticity through P2X4 and A1 receptors.

ABSTRACT: Recent data have provided evidence that microglia, the brain-resident macrophage-like cells, modulate neuronal activity in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and microglia are therefore now recognized as synaptic partners. Among different neuromodulators, purines, which are produced and released by microglia, have emerged as promising candidates to mediate interactions between microglia and synapses. The cellular effects of purines are mediated through a large family of receptors for adenosine and for ATP (P2 receptors). These receptors are present at brain synapses, but it is unknown whether they can respond to microglia-derived purines to modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity. Here, we used a simple model of adding immune-challenged microglia to mouse hippocamp

SUBMITTER: George J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5069607 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature