Astrocytes adjust the dynamic range of cortical network activity to control modality-specific sensory information processing

Cortical neuron-astrocyte communication in response to peripheral sensory stimulation occurs in a topo-graphic-, frequency-, and intensity-dependent manner. However, the contribution of this functional interac-tion to the processing of sensory inputs and consequent behavior remains unclear. We investigate the role of astrocytes in sensory information processing at circuit and behavioral levels by monitoring and manipulating astrocytic activity in vivo. We show that astrocytes control the dynamic range of the cortical network activity, optimizing its responsiveness to incoming sensory inputs. The astrocytic modulation of sensory processing contributes to setting the detection threshold for tactile and thermal behavior responses. The mechanism of such astrocytic control is mediated through modulation of inhibitory transmission to adjust the gain and sensitivity of responding networks. These results uncover a role for astrocytes in maintaining the cortical network activity in an optimal range to control behavior associated with specific sensory modalities.

Automated summary

In this study, the researchers observed and manipulated the activity of astrocytes to investigate their role in sensory information processing at both circuit and behavioral levels. They found that astrocytes are able to control the dynamic range of cortical network activity, optimizing its responsiveness to sensory inputs. This astrocytic modulation of sensory processing helps to set the detection threshold for tactile and thermal behavior responses. The researchers also discovered that astrocytes achieve this control by modulating inhibitory transmission to adjust the gain and sensitivity of responding networks.