Lamina‐specific properties of spinal astrocytes

• DOI: 10.1002/glia.23990
• Publication Date: 2021-03-11T07:35:28Z
• Authors: Mira T. Kronschläger; Anna S. M. Siegert; Felix J. Resch; Pradeep S. Rajendran; Baljit S. Khakh; Jürgen Sandkühler
• Keywords: Biological neural network; Nerve net; Premovement neuronal activity

Astrocytes are indispensable for proper neuronal functioning. Given the diverse needs of circuits and variety tasks astrocytes perform, perceived homogeneous nature has been questioned. In spinal dorsal horn, complex circuitries regulate integration sensory information different modalities. The horn is organized in a distinct laminar manner based on termination patterns high- low-threshold afferent fibers properties. Neurons laminae I (L1) II (L2) integrate potentially painful, nociceptive information, whereas neurons lamina III (L3) deeper innocuous, tactile from periphery. Sensory also integrated by an uncharacterized network astrocytes. How these lamina-specific characteristics functional importance properties currently unknown. We addressed if L1, L2, L3 upper mice differentially equipped that process found L1 L2 were characterized higher density, expression GFAP, Cx43, GLAST faster coupling speed than located L3. more responsive to Kir4.1 blockade had levels AQP4 compared contrast, basic membrane properties, formation, somatic intracellular calcium signaling similar L1-L3 Our data indicate fine-tuned versus information.