Tohoku University scientists have shown that neuronal and glial circuits form a loosely coupled super-network within the brain. Activation of the metabotropic glutamate receptors in neurons was shown to be largely influenced by the state of the glial cells. Therefore, artificial control of the glial state could potentially be used to enhance the memory function of the brain.
The findings were detailed in the Journal of Physiology.
Although the glial cells occupy more than half of the brain, they were thought to act as glue — merely filling the gap between neurons. However, recent findings show that the concentration of intracellular ions in glia, such as calcium and proton, can fluctuate over time.
“Glial cells appear to have the capacity of coding information,” says professor Ko Matsui of the Super-network Brain Physiology lab at Tohoku University, who led the research. “However,…
