Rhythmic firing is an essential feature of neuronal circuits generating rhythmic movements. This study shows that this property depends on astrocytes in the trigeminal circuit underlying mastication, where rhythmogenesis relies on activation of a persistent sodium current. Astrocytes modulate this conductance by decreasing the extracellular calcium through release of the calcium-binding protein S100β. Blockade of S100β or inactivation of astrocytes impedes rhythmogenesis.
- Philippe Morquette
- Dorly Verdier
- Arlette Kolta
