PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Astroglial networks closely interact with neuronal populations, but their functional contribution to neuronal representation of sensory information remains unexplored. The superior colliculus (SC) integrates multi-sensory information by generating distinct spatial patterns of neuronal functional responses to specific sensory stimulation. Here, we report that astrocytes from the mouse SC form extensive networks in the retinorecipient layer compared to visual cortex. This strong astroglial connectivity relies on high expression of gap-junction proteins. Genetic disruption of this connectivity functionally impairs SC retinotopic and orientation preference responses. These alterations are region specific, absent in primary visual cortex, and associated at the circuit level with a specific impairment of collicular neurons synaptic transmission. This has implications for SC-related visually induced innate behavior, as disrupting astroglial networks impairs light-evoked temporary arrest. Our results indicate that astroglial networks shape synaptic circuit activity underlying SC functional visual responses and play a crucial role in integrating visual cues to drive sensory-motor behavior.
摘要：
星形胶质网络与神经元群体密切相互作用，但是它们对感觉信息的神经元表示的功能贡献仍未被探索。上丘（SC）通过生成对特定感觉刺激的神经元功能反应的不同空间模式来整合多感觉信息。这里,我们报告说，与视觉皮层相比，来自小鼠SC的星形胶质细胞在视网膜色素层中形成了广泛的网络。这种强的星形胶质细胞连接依赖于间隙连接蛋白的高表达。这种连通性的遗传破坏在功能上损害了SC视网膜定位和取向偏好反应。这些改变是特定区域的，在初级视觉皮层中不存在，并在回路水平上与丘神经元突触传递的特定损害有关。这对SC相关的视觉诱导的先天行为有影响，因为破坏星形胶质网络会损害光诱发的临时逮捕。我们的结果表明，星形胶质网络塑造了SC功能性视觉反应的突触回路活动，并在整合视觉线索以驱动感觉运动行为中起着至关重要的作用。
