Astrocytes release a number of gliotransmitters which modulate the function and excitability of associated neurons. These include ATP and its derivative adenosine which act to depress neuronal activity. Increases in astrocytic intracellular calcium can be used as an indication of phospholipase C activity and ATP release. Preliminary evidence indicates that status epilepticus (SE) results in a prolonged increase in calcium excitability in cortical astrocytes that is temporally correlated with SE-induced neuronal death. I will use two-photon microscopy to ask if astrocytic calcium oscillations and wave propagation in the hippocampus are affected by SE. I will also use animals with impaired astrocytic ATP release to examine whether ATP released from astrocytes is necessary for in vivo hippocampal calcium wave propagation. These animals will also be used to determine if astrocytic ATP and adenosine can reduce the amount of SE-induced neuronal death in the hippocampus. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32NS056766-02
Application #
7250084
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F03B-G (20))
Program Officer
Stewart, Randall R
Project Start
2006-07-01
Project End
2008-04-30
Budget Start
2007-07-01
Budget End
2008-04-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$40,817
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104