Trends in neurosciences
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Trends in neurosciences · Jul 2013
ReviewEmerging role for astroglial networks in information processing: from synapse to behavior.
Astrocytes contribute to neurotransmission through a variety of mechanisms ranging from synapse isolation to active signaling. Astroglial involvement in neurophysiology has been mostly investigated at the single-cell level. ⋯ Recent findings have suggested that, despite their extensity, astroglial networks are also selective, preferential as well as plastic, and can regulate synapses, neuronal circuits, and behavior. The present review critically discusses the impact of astroglial networks on normal and pathological neuronal information processing as well as the underlying mechanisms.