Astrocytes act as signal transducer in neuronal activation and cerebral arteriole vasodilation.

Highlights the results of the study of M. Zonta and colleagues on the role of astrocytes as signal transducer in neuronal activation and cerebral arteriole vasodilation. Working neurons' release of the neurotransmitter, glutamate ionotropic receptors and astrocytic metabotropic receptors; Association of the response of astrocytes to neural activity and the observed dilation of arterioles.