TY - JOUR

T1 - How astrocytic chloride modulates brain states

AU - Untiet, Verena

AU - Verkhratsky, Alexei

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 The Authors. BioEssays published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - The way the central nervous system (CNS) responds to diverse stimuli is contingent upon the specific brain state of the individual, including sleep and wakefulness. Despite the wealth of readout parameters and data delineating the brain states, the primary mechanisms are yet to be identified. Here we highlight the role of astrocytes, with a specific emphasis on chloride (Cl−) homeostasis as a modulator of brain states. Neuronal activity is regulated by the concentration of ions that determine excitability. Astrocytes, as the CNS homeostatic cells, are recognised for their proficiency in maintaining dynamic homeostasis of ions, known as ionostasis. Nevertheless, the contribution of astrocyte-driven ionostasis to the genesis of brain states or their response to sleep-inducing pharmacological agents has been overlooked. Our objective is to underscore the significance of astrocytic Cl− homeostasis, elucidating how it may underlie the modulation of brain states. We endeavour to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between astrocytes and brain states.

AB - The way the central nervous system (CNS) responds to diverse stimuli is contingent upon the specific brain state of the individual, including sleep and wakefulness. Despite the wealth of readout parameters and data delineating the brain states, the primary mechanisms are yet to be identified. Here we highlight the role of astrocytes, with a specific emphasis on chloride (Cl−) homeostasis as a modulator of brain states. Neuronal activity is regulated by the concentration of ions that determine excitability. Astrocytes, as the CNS homeostatic cells, are recognised for their proficiency in maintaining dynamic homeostasis of ions, known as ionostasis. Nevertheless, the contribution of astrocyte-driven ionostasis to the genesis of brain states or their response to sleep-inducing pharmacological agents has been overlooked. Our objective is to underscore the significance of astrocytic Cl− homeostasis, elucidating how it may underlie the modulation of brain states. We endeavour to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between astrocytes and brain states.

KW - astrocyte

KW - chloride

KW - GABA

KW - glutamate

KW - sleep

U2 - 10.1002/bies.202400004

DO - 10.1002/bies.202400004

M3 - Review

C2 - 38615322

AN - SCOPUS:85190797083

VL - 46

JO - BioEssays

JF - BioEssays

SN - 0265-9247

IS - 6

M1 - 2400004

ER -