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Microdomains for neuron–glia interaction: parallel fiber signaling to Bergmann glial cells

Nature Neuroscience volume 2, pages 139–143 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

Astrocytes are considered a reticulate network of cells, through which calcium signals can spread easily. In Bergmann glia, astrocytic cells of the cerebellum, we identified subcellular compartments termed 'glial microdomains'. These elements have a complex surface consisting of thin membrane sheets, contain few mitochondria and wrap around synapses. To test for neuronal interaction with these structures, we electrically stimulated parallel fibers. This stimulation increased intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in small compartments within Bergmann glial cell processes similar in size to glial microdomains. Thus, a Bergmann glial cell may consist of hundreds of independent compartments capable of autonomous interactions with the particular group of synapses that they ensheath.

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Figure 1: Reconstruction of an appendage based on electron microscopic data.
Figure 2: Fine structure of appendages and relation to synapses.
Figure 3: Stimulation of parallel fibers triggers local calcium signals in Bergmann glial cells.
Figure 4: Inhibition of nerve impulse propagation and synaptic transmission blocks glial calcium responses.
Figure 5: Spontaneous activity in Bergmann glia microdomains.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank S. Lyons, A. Konnerth and B. R. Ransom for comments on the manuscript. This work was supported by grants from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 515; 436UKR), Volkswagen–Stiftung and Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research at the University of Leipzig, (01KS9504, Project C5).

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  1. The first two authors contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Jahnallee 59, Leipzig, D–04109, Germany

    Jens Grosche & Andreas Reichenbach

  2. Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Cellular Neurosciences, Robert–Rössle–Str. 10, Berlin, D–13122, Germany

    Vitali Matyash, Thomas Möller, Alexej Verkhratsky & Helmut Kettenmann

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  1. Jens Grosche
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  2. Vitali Matyash
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  3. Thomas Möller
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  4. Alexej Verkhratsky
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  5. Andreas Reichenbach
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  6. Helmut Kettenmann
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Correspondence to Helmut Kettenmann.

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Grosche, J., Matyash, V., Möller, T. et al. Microdomains for neuron–glia interaction: parallel fiber signaling to Bergmann glial cells. Nat Neurosci 2, 139–143 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/5692

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