Role of astrocytes in controlling synaptic information in tripartite synapses

Traditionally, brain function is considered to be exclusive to neuronal activity. Recent studies have shown that in addition to the classical bidirectional information flow between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, astrocytes also participate in the process of information exchange between synaptic neurons, response to synaptic activity, and regulation of synaptic transmission. We review herein astrocytes integrate and process synaptic information and finally regulate synaptic transmission and plasticity through releasing gliotransmitters. Key words: Tripartite synapse; Astrocyte; Synaptic transmission; Synaptic plasticity