Abstract
Activity-dependent modulation of synaptic efficacy in the brain contributes to neural circuit development and experience-dependent plasticity. Although glia are affected by activity and ensheathe synapses, their influence on synaptic strength has largely been ignored. Here, we show that a protein produced by glia, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), enhances synaptic efficacy by increasing surface expression of AMPA receptors. Preventing the actions of endogenous TNFalpha has the opposite effects. Thus, the continual presence of TNFalpha is required for preservation of synaptic strength at excitatory synapses. Through its effects on AMPA receptor trafficking, TNFalpha may play roles in synaptic plasticity and modulating responses to neural injury.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, CD / pharmacology
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Astrocytes / metabolism*
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Cells, Cultured
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Culture Media, Conditioned / pharmacology
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Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
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Hippocampus / cytology
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Hippocampus / metabolism
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Neuronal Plasticity / drug effects
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Neurons / drug effects
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Neurons / metabolism
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Receptors, AMPA / metabolism
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I
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Synapses / drug effects
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Synapses / metabolism*
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Synaptic Transmission / drug effects
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism*
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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Culture Media, Conditioned
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Receptors, AMPA
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha