Astrocyte-neuron signaling in the mesolimbic dopamine system: the hidden stars of dopamine signaling

Star-shaped cells called astrocytes are the most abundant cells to be found in the human brain. In the past, they’d been thought to play a supporting role to neurons, such as providing metabolic support, but recently they’re also emerging as stars of information processing. They can respond to neurotransmitters and release neuroactive substances that then affect synaptic transmission and plasticity. Michelle Corkrum is a child neurology resident at Columbia University and is one of the authors of a recent review paper on the links between astrocytes and dopamine signalling. The review looks back at the history of research in this field, going back decades. Listen in to learn more! 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from NPP BrainPod

  1. 09:08Spotlighting SHAPERS: Sex hormones associated with psychological and endocrine rolesMar 05, 2024
  2. 09:33Comparable roles for serotonin in rats and humans for computations underlying flexible decision-makingJan 04, 2024
  3. 09:58Integrating public health and translational basic science to address challenges of xylazine adulteration of fentanylOct 16, 2023
  4. 08:29The why, when, where, how, and so what of so-called rapidly acting antidepressantsSep 06, 2023
  5. 09:09AI-based analysis of social media language predicts addiction treatment dropout at 90 daysJun 23, 2023
  6. 09:27Oxytocin effects on amygdala reactivity to angry faces in males and females with ASPDApr 21, 2023
  7. 09:54To dismantle structural racism in science, scientists need to learn how it worksFeb 22, 2023
  8. 09:59Low doses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) increase reward-related brain activityDec 22, 2022
  9. 09:29Sex-dependent risk factors for PTSD: a prospective structural MRI studyNov 01, 2022
  10. 09:47Sex differences in appetitive and reactive aggressionSep 06, 2022