%0 Journal Article
%T Protease activated receptor 1-induced glutamate release in cultured astrocytes is mediated by Bestrophin-1 channel but not by vesicular exocytosis
%A Oh Soo-Jin
%A Han Kyung-Seok
%A Park Hyungju
%A Woo Dong ho
%J Molecular Brain
%D 2012
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1756-6606-5-38
%X Background Glutamate is the major transmitter that mediates the principal form of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. It has been well established that glutamate is released via Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of glutamate-containing vesicles in neurons. However, whether astrocytes exocytose to release glutamate under physiological condition is still unclear. Findings We report a novel form of glutamate release in astrocytes via the recently characterized Ca2+-activated anion channel, Bestrophin-1 (Best1) by Ca2+ dependent mechanism through the channel pore. We demonstrate that upon activation of protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1), an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration leads to an opening of Best1 channels and subsequent release of glutamate in cultured astrocytes. Conclusions These results provide strong molecular evidence for potential astrocyte-neuron interaction via Best1-mediated glutamate release.
%K Astrocyte
%K Bestrophin-1
%K Glutamate
%U http://www.molecularbrain.com/content/5/1/38