Activity‐dependent modulation of intracellular ATP in cultured cortical astrocytes. Issue 11 (2nd February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winkler, Ulrike; Seim, Pauline; Enzbrenner, Yvonne; Köhler, Susanne; Sicker, Marit; Hirrlinger, Johannes
• Other Names: Schousboe Arne guestEditor.; Yu Albert C. H. guestEditor.; McKenna Mary C. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of neuroscience research. Volume 95:Issue 11(2017)
• Page Start: 2172
• Page End: 2181
• Publication Date: 2017-02-02
• Subjects: ATP -- ATeam1.03YEMK -- live cell imaging -- glutamate -- astrocyte; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-4012

Abstract

Abstract : Brain function is absolutely dependent on an appropriate supply of energy. A shortfall in supply—as occurs, for instance, following stroke—can lead rapidly to irreversible damage to this vital organ. While the consequences of pathophysiological energy depletion have been well documented, much less is known about the physiological energy dynamics of brain cells, although changes in the intracellular concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the major energy carrier of cells, have been postulated to contribute to cellular signaling. To address this issue more closely, we have investigated intracellular ATP in cultured primary cortical astrocytes by time‐lapse microscopy using a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor for ATP. The cytosolic ATP sensor signal decreased after application of the neurotransmitter glutamate in a manner dependent on both glutamate concentration and glutamate transporter activity, but independent of glutamate receptors. The application of dopamine did not affect ATP levels within astrocytes. These results confirm that intracellular ATP levels in astrocytes do indeed respond to changes in physiological activity and pave the way for further studies addressing factors that affect regulation of ATP. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Abstract : During uptake of the neurotransmitter glutamate into astrocytes, intracellular ATP is decreased irrespective of the exogenous energy substrate. In contrast, ATP remains unaffected in astrocytes during exposure to dopamine.