Distinct roles of astroglia and neurons in synaptic plasticity and memory

Abstract

Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus is the most studied form of synaptic plasticity. Temporal integration of synaptic inputs is essential in synaptic plasticity and is assumed to be achieved through Ca²⁺ signaling in neurons and astroglia. However, whether these two cell types play different roles in LTP remain unknown. Here, we found that through the integration of synaptic inputs, astrocyte inositol triphosphate (IP₃) receptor type 2 (IP₃R2)-dependent Ca²⁺ signaling was critical for late-phase LTP (L-LTP) but not early-phase LTP (E-LTP). Moreover, this process was mediated by astrocyte-derived brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In contrast, neuron-derived BDNF was critical for both E-LTP and L-LTP. Importantly, the dynamic differences in BDNF secretion play a role in modulating distinct forms of LTP. Moreover, astrocyte- and neuron-derived BDNF exhibited different roles in memory. These observations enriched our knowledge of LTP and memory at the cellular level and implied distinct roles of astrocytes and neurons in information integration.