Fig. 1. A Schematic representation of a tripartite synapse. The tripartite synapse is composed of presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals with astrocytic processes enwrapping the synapses. The release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic terminal acts on the postsynaptic terminal as well as with astrocytic receptors mediating intracellular Ca2+ elevation via Gq GPCR. Ca2+ elevation then triggers the release of gliotransmitters that react with the presynaptic and postsynaptic terminal receptors to modulate synaptic transmission.
© Exp Neurobiol
