Abstract
Recent studies show that neuroglial interactions play a key role in the regulation of complex behavior. Of particular importance is adenosine-mediated fine-tuning of glutamate neurotransmission, which modulates sleep, circadian rhythms, and alcohol intake. Astrocytic, soluble N-ethyl maleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor-mediated ATP release provides the extracellular adenosine that drives homeostatic sleep. Adenosine gates both photic (light-induced) glutamatergic and nonphotic (behavioral) input to the circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Acute ethanol increases extracellular adenosine, which mediates the ataxic and hypnotic/sedative effects of alcohol, while chronic ethanol reduces adenosine tonus, leading to insomnia, a major predictor of relapse. Studies using mice lacking equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 have illuminated how adenosine functions through neuroglial interactions involving glutamate uptake transporter GLT-1 (referred to as excitatory amino acid transporter 2, or EAAT2, in humans) and possibly water channel aquaporin 4 to regulate ethanol sensitivity, reward-related motivation, and alcohol intake.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Modulation of Sleep by Obesity, Diabetes, Age, and Diet
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
