Astrocytes, from brain glue to communication elements: the revolution continues

@article{Volterra2005AstrocytesFB,
  title={Astrocytes, from brain glue to communication elements: the revolution continues},
  author={Andrea Volterra and Jacopo Meldolesi},
  journal={Nature Reviews Neuroscience},
  year={2005},
  volume={6},
  pages={626-640}
}
For decades, astrocytes have been considered to be non-excitable support cells of the brain. However, this view has changed radically during the past twenty years. The recent recognition that they are organized in separate territories and possess active properties — notably a competence for the regulated release of 'gliotransmitters', including glutamate — has enabled us to develop an understanding of previously unknown functions for astrocytes. Today, astrocytes are seen as local communication… 
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