Dynamic and Homeostatic Neuron–Astrocyte Interactions at GABAergic Synapses

Abstract

Astrocytes support neuron function through a range of regulatory mechanisms, including synaptic modulation. There is a more comprehensive understanding of astrocyte contribution to transmission at excitatory synapses than inhibitory synapses. However, the synaptic activity of inhibitory neurons has extensive consequences on neuron activity, circuitry, brain states and function, which is consolidated by the inherent diversity of GABAergic inhibitory neurons. This review provides an overview of the purposeful function of astrocytes at the synapses of GABAergic inhibitory neurons at structural, ionic, molecular, circuit, and behavioral levels and incorporates diversity into the current understanding of inhibitory tripartite synapses.