Quantal transmission: not just for neurons

Trends Neurosci. 2005 Feb;28(2):59-62. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2004.11.010.

Abstract

Glia have moved into the spotlight as participants in synaptic signaling. Recent work by Bergles and colleagues extends this active role by showing that oligodendrocyte precursors cells (OPCs) in the hippocampus receive functional glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. Synaptic signaling in these cells could provide a mechanism for activity-dependent modulation of OPC proliferation and differentiation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Communication / physiology
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Neural Inhibition
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Oligodendroglia / physiology
  • Stem Cells / physiology
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • Glutamic Acid
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid