Hösli E, Hösli L
Department of Physiology, University of Basel, Switzerland.
Neurochem Int. 2000 Apr;36(4-5):301-11. doi: 10.1016/s0197-0186(99)00138-2.
In recent years evidence has accumulated that astrocytes express functional receptors for a variety of neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. By means of electrophysiological and combined autoradiographic and immunohistochemical methods we have demonstrated the colocalization of cholinergic, adrenergic and peptidergic receptors on astrocytes in explant cultures from various regions of rat central nervous system. A great number of biochemical and electrophysiological studies from other laboratories have shown that most of the neurotransmitters exert their effects on second messenger systems and on Ca2+-activated K+-channels. Furthermore, certain neurotransmitters are involved in the regulation of energy metabolism by stimulating enzymatic breakdown of glycogen in astrocytes. It was suggested that there is a cross-talk between the various neurotransmitter receptors on the glial membrane and that these receptors act in a synergistic or antagonistic way. The coexistence of cholinergic and peptidergic receptors on astrocytes is of great interest since both neurotransmitter systems are involved in cognitive functions and are impaired in patients with Alzheimer's dementia. The question is therefore raised whether not only neurones but also astrocytes might be involved in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
近年来，越来越多的证据表明星形胶质细胞表达多种神经递质/神经调质的功能性受体。通过电生理以及放射自显影与免疫组织化学相结合的方法，我们已经证实在来自大鼠中枢神经系统不同区域的外植体培养物中，星形胶质细胞上胆碱能、肾上腺素能和肽能受体共定位。其他实验室大量的生物化学和电生理研究表明，大多数神经递质对第二信使系统和Ca2+激活的K+通道发挥作用。此外，某些神经递质通过刺激星形胶质细胞中糖原的酶促分解参与能量代谢的调节。有人提出神经胶质膜上的各种神经递质受体之间存在相互作用，并且这些受体以协同或拮抗的方式发挥作用。星形胶质细胞上胆碱能和肽能受体的共存非常令人感兴趣，因为这两种神经递质系统都参与认知功能，并且在阿尔茨海默病痴呆患者中受损。因此，人们提出这样一个问题，即不仅神经元而且星形胶质细胞是否也可能参与诸如阿尔茨海默病等神经退行性疾病。
