Abstract
The synergy between synaptic Glu release and astrocytic Glu-Na+ symport is essential to the signalling function of the tripartite synapse. Here we used kinetic data of astrocytic Glu transporters (EAAT) and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) to simulate Glu release, Glu uptake and subsequent Na+ and Ca2+ dynamics in the astrocytic leaflet microdomain following single release event. Model simulations show that Glu-Na+ symport differently affect intracellular [Na+] in synapses with different extent of astrocytic coverage. Surprisingly, NCX activity alone has been shown to generate markedly stable, spontaneous Ca2+ oscillation in the astrocytic leaflet. These on-going oscillations appear when NCX operates either in the forward or reverse direction. We conjecture that intrinsic NCX activity may play a prominent role in the generation of astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations.
Published Version
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