ATP Mediates Calcium Signaling Between Astrocytes and Microglial Cells: Modulation by IFN-γ
Year: 2001
Type: article
Abstract: Calcium-mediated intercellular communication is a mechanism by which astrocytes communicate with each other and modulate the activity of adjacent cells, including neurons and oligodendrocytes. We have investigated whether microglia, the immune effector cells involved in several diseases of the CNS, are actively involved in this communication network. To address this issue, we analyzed calcium dynamics in fura-2-loaded cocultures of astrocytes and microglia under physiological conditions and in the presence of the inflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma. The intracellular calcium increases in astrocytes, occurring spontaneously or as a result of mechanical or bradykinin stimulation, induced the release of ATP, which, in turn, was responsible for triggering a delayed calcium response in microglial cells. Repeated stimulations of microglial cells by astrocyte-released ATP activated P2X(7) purinergic receptor on microglial cells and greatly increased membrane permeability, eventually leading to microglial apoptosis. IFN-gamma increased ATP release and potentiated the P2X(7)-mediated cytolytic effect. This is the first study showing that ATP mediates a form of calcium signaling between astrocytes and microglia. This mechanism of intercellular communication may be involved in controlling the number and function of microglial cells under pathophysiologic CNS conditions.
Source: The Journal of Immunology
Parent work: Uropodina species from Vietnam (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: Claudia Verderio, Michela Matteoli
Institution: National Research Council
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1541085684