Glial cells are active partners of neurons in processing information and sy
naptic integration. They receive coded signals from synapses and elaborate
modulatory responses. The active properties of glia, including long-range s
ignalling and regulated transmitter release, are beginning to be elucidated
. Recent insights suggest that the active brain should no longer be regarde
d as a circuitry of neuronal contacts, but as an integrated network of inte
ractive neurons and glia.