Astrocyte arborization enhances Ca2+ but not cAMP signaling plasticity

The plasticity of astrocytes is fundamental for their principal function, maintaining homeostasis of the central nervous system throughout life, and is associated with diverse exposomal challenges. Here, we used cultured astrocytes to investigate at subcellular level basic cell processes under controlled environmental conditions. We compared astroglial functional and signaling plasticity in standard serum-containing growth medium, a condition mimicking pathologic conditions, and in medium without serum, favoring the acquisition of arborized morphology. Using opto-/electrophysiologic techniques, we examined cell viability, expression of astroglial markers, vesicle dynamics, and cytosolic Ca2+ and cAMP signaling. The results revealed altered vesicle dynamics in arborized astrocytes that was associated with increased resting [Ca2+](i) and increased subcellular heterogeneity in [Ca2+](i), whereas [cAMP](i) subcellular dynamics remained stable in both cultures, indicating that cAMP signaling is less prone to plastic remodeling than Ca2+ signaling, possibly also in in vivo contexts.

Automated summary

The plasticity of astrocytes is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system and varies under different environmental conditions, affecting vesicle dynamics and intracellular calcium signaling. Astrocytes in arborized morphology show altered vesicle dynamics with increased [Ca2+] and subcellular heterogeneity, while cAMP signaling remains stable.