The Role of Astrocytes in the Regulation of Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Formation

Table 1

Summary of receptors/signaling molecules and related mechanisms.

Signaling molecule	Receptor(s)	Mechanism of action in plasticity/memory formation
Acetylcholine	Muscarinic Ach-R's	Causes an increase in [Ca^2+] activating mGluR's
Adenosine	A1 Receptors	Inhibition of cAMP dependent transcription
ATP	P2Y Receptors	Enhances concentration of AMPA receptors
Cytokines; (i) TNF-𝛼; (ii) CCL2; (iii) Interleukin-1	(i) CXCR4; (ii) NMDA Receptors; (iii) IL1 Receptors	(i) Glutamate release and the insertion of AMPA receptors; (ii) Inhibits NMDA receptor activity; (iii) Unknown
D-Serine	NMDA Receptors	Coagonist of receptors
Ephrin; (i) Ephrin-A; (ii) Ephrin-B	(i) EphA Receptors; (ii) EphB Receptors	(i) Promotes retraction of dendritic spines; (ii) Regulates D-serine release
Glutamate	AMPA receptors, NMDA receptors, mGluR’s	Increased EPSP, upregulation of AMPA receptors
Lactate	MCT2	Provides additional metabolic energy for growth/plasticity
Nicotine	nAchR	Releases Ca^2+ and promotes the release of D-serine