NEWS ON GLUTAMATE RECEPTORS IN GLIAL-CELLS

Glutamate (Glu) receptors convey most of the excitatory synaptic trans mission in the mammalian CNS. Distinct Glu-receptor genes and differen t subtypes of glutamate-activated channels are expressed ubiquitously throughout the developing and mature brain in the two major macroglial cell types, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. These glial receptors ar e found in acutely isolated cells and in brain slices, and are therefo re functional in vivo. Glutamate receptors in glial cells are activate d during neuronal activity, and their activation modulates gene expres sion in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The proliferation and differe ntiation of glial precursor cells are also regulated by activation of Glu receptors, suggesting that the excitatory transmitter might be one of the environmental signals that regulate glial-cell development.