Figure 2 (IMAGE)
Caption
Astrocytes hyper-drive neuronal activity. (A) Passing low amplitude direct current (DC) stimulation resulted in a robust increase in the astrocyte calcium. Several seconds following the astrocyte activation, epileptic neuronal hyperactivity was initiated. (B) Copper implantation in the hippocampus induced acute symptomatic seizures. Fluorocitrate is preferentially taken up into astrocytes and suppresses their metabolic activity. Even in the presence of fluorocitrate, epileptic episodes were observed; however, the magnitude of the hyperactivity was significantly reduced. These results suggest that actions originating from the astrocytes induce epileptic neuronal hyperactivity.
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Ko Matsui
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