Propagation of intracellular signaling in neurons triggered by local contact with astrocytes

Abstract

Local contact with astrocytes via integrin receptors elicited protein kinase C (PKC) activation in individual dissociated neurons. This activation, initially focal, soon spread throughout the entire neuron. We demonstrated pharmacologically that the arachidonic acid cascade, triggered by the integrin reception, is responsible for the global activation of PKC. Local astrocytic contact also facilitated excitatory synaptogenesis throughout the neuron, a process which could be blocked by inhibitors of both integrins and PKC. Thus, propagation of PKC signaling represents an underlying mechanism for global neuronal maturation following local astrocyte adhesion. [Jpn J Physiol 54 Suppl:S16 (2004)]