Estradiol Mediates Astrocyte-Neuron Communication in the Hippocampus

• DOI: 10.1007/s12035-025-04905-6
• Publication Date: 2025-04-10T04:26:02Z
• Authors: Julianna Goenaga; Carmen Nanclares; Megan Hall; Paulo Kofuji; Paul G. Mermelstein; Alfonso Araque
• Keywords: Schaffer collateral

Abstract Accumulating evidence has revealed the existence of functional astrocyte-neuron communication based on ability astrocytes to respond neurotransmitters and release gliotransmitters. However, little is known about how other signaling molecules, such as hormones, impact astrocyte function. Estradiol (E2) an important hormone regulate neuronal activity, synaptic transmission, plasticity, animal behavior. whether E2 specifically signals in situ consequences remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated estradiol activity mouse hippocampus. Using RNAscope approach, determined that estrogen receptors (ERα ERβ) are expressed both female male mice. In sexes, confocal imaging hippocampal slices locally applied with calcium elevations. pyramidal neurons, slow inward currents (SICs) mediated by activation extrasynaptic NMDA indicate gliotransmission. Electrophysiological recordings neurons increases frequency, but not amplitude, SICs. We also recorded excitatory transmission evoked Schaffer collateral stimulation. Here, only females, did produce a reduction transmission. The E2-induced effects signal gliotransmission were prevented broad receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. Taken together, these results demonstrate estradiol-mediated They reveal can and, through this signaling, may