Astrocytes control breathing through pH-dependent release of ATP

摘要: Astrocytes provide structural and metabolic support for neuronal networks, but direct evidence demonstrating their active role in complex behaviors is limited. Central respiratory chemosensitivity an essential mechanism that, via regulation of breathing, maintains constant levels blood brain pH partial pressure CO2. We found that astrocytes the brainstem chemoreceptor areas are highly chemosensitive. They responded to physiological decreases with vigorous elevations intracellular Ca2+ release adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP propagated astrocytic excitation, activated neurons, induced adaptive increases breathing. Mimicking pH-evoked responses by means optogenetic stimulation expressing channelrhodopsin-2 neurons ATP-dependent triggered robust vivo. This demonstrates a potentially crucial glial cells mediating fundamental reflex.