Lamina-specific properties of spinal astrocytes.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes are indispensable for proper neuronal functioning. Given the diverse needs of neuronal circuits and the variety of tasks astrocytes perform, the perceived homogeneous nature of astrocytes has been questioned. In the spinal dorsal horn, complex neuronal circuitries regulate the integration of sensory information of different modalities. The dorsal horn is organized in a distinct laminar manner based on termination patterns of high- and low-threshold afferent fibers and neuronal properties. Neurons in laminae I (L1) and II (L2) integrate potentially painful, nociceptive information, whereas neurons in lamina III (L3) and deeper laminae integrate innocuous, tactile information from the periphery. Sensory information is also integrated by an uncharacterized network of astrocytes. Ho

SUBMITTER: Kronschlager MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8252791 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature