Role of astroglial hemichannels and pannexons in memory and neurodegenerative diseases

Juan A. Orellana, Mauricio A. Retamal, Rodrigo Moraga-Amaro, Jimmy Stehberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Under physiological conditions, astroglial hemichannels and pannexons allow the release of gliotransmitters from astrocytes. These gliotransmitters are critical in modulating synaptic transmission, plasticity and memory. However, recent evidence suggests that under pathological conditions, they may be central in the development of various neurodegenerative diseases. Here we review current literature on the role of astroglial hemichannels and pannexons in memory, stress and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, and propose that they are not only crucial for normal brain function, including memory, but also a potential target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Article number26
JournalFrontiers in Integrative Neuroscience
Volume10
Issue numberJULY2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jul 2016

Keywords

  • Astrocytes
  • Connexin 43
  • Connexin hemichannels
  • Cx hemichannels
  • Memory
  • Pannexin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Sensory Systems
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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