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Control of Synaptic Strength by Glial TNFα

Authors :
Mark von Zastrow
Robert C. Malenka
David Stellwagen
Byeong Keun Ha
Michael S. Beattie
Wade Morishita
Jacqueline C. Bresnahan
Eric C. Beattie
Source :
Science. 295:2282-2285
Publication Year :
2002
Publisher :
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2002.

Abstract

Activity-dependent modulation of synaptic efficacy in the brain contributes to neural circuit development and experience-dependent plasticity. Although glia are affected by activity and ensheathe synapses, their influence on synaptic strength has largely been ignored. Here, we show that a protein produced by glia, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), enhances synaptic efficacy by increasing surface expression of AMPA receptors. Preventing the actions of endogenous TNFalpha has the opposite effects. Thus, the continual presence of TNFalpha is required for preservation of synaptic strength at excitatory synapses. Through its effects on AMPA receptor trafficking, TNFalpha may play roles in synaptic plasticity and modulating responses to neural injury.

Details

ISSN :
10959203 and 00368075
Volume :
295
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Science
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....88e6930cd25d5583a53aafc9a393de70
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1067859