Functional Specialization and Topographic Segregation of Hippocampal Astrocytes

• Published in: The Journal of neuroscience Vol. 18; no. 12; pp. 4425 - 4438
• Main Authors: D'Ambrosio, Raimondo, Wenzel, Jurgen, Schwartzkroin, Philip A, McKhann, Guy M., II, Janigro, Damir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Soc Neuroscience 15.06.1998; Society for Neuroscience
• Subjects: Animals; Astrocytes - cytology; Astrocytes - drug effects; Astrocytes - physiology; Cell Communication - physiology; Cesium - pharmacology; Electric Conductivity; Electric Impedance; Epilepsy - chemically induced; Epilepsy - physiopathology; Hippocampus - cytology; Hippocampus - physiology; Hippocampus - physiopathology; In Vitro Techniques; Ion Channels - antagonists & inhibitors; Ion Channels - physiology; Ions; Membrane Potentials - physiology; Neuroglia - cytology; Neuroglia - physiology; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Potassium - antagonists & inhibitors; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Astrocytes have been suggested to play several roles in the complex control of brain microenvironment. However, they have been generally considered to constitute a homogeneous population of cells. Here we show that at least three electrophysiologically distinct types of astrocytes can be found in th...