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Astrocytes target presynaptic NMDA receptors to give synapses a boost

Astrocytes modulate synaptic strength. This effect occurs, reports a new paper, because ATP-dependent vesicular release of astrocytic glutamate acts on presynaptic neuronal NMDA receptors to increase synaptic efficacy.

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Figure 1: Schematic drawing of the anatomical, neural and glial transmitter relationships causing synaptic strengthening in the dentate gyrus.

Kim Caesar

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Parri, R., Crunelli, V. Astrocytes target presynaptic NMDA receptors to give synapses a boost. Nat Neurosci 10, 271–273 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn0307-271

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