25665733

PMC4447573

1DP2NS083038/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United States
5P30NS050274/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States
5P50MH100024/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States
5R01NS085938/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States
5T32EY017203/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States
DP2 NS083038/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States
P50 MH100024/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States
R01 NS085938/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States

CDC Public Access

Astrocytes are highly ramified glial cells found throughout the central nervous system (CNS). They express a variety of neurotransmitter receptors that can induce widespread chemical excitation, placing these cells in an optimal position to exert global effects on brain physiology. However, the activity patterns of only a small fraction of astrocytes have been examined and techniques to manipulate their behavior are limited. As a result, little is known about how astrocytes modulate CNS function on synaptic, microcircuit, or systems levels. Here, we review current and emerging approaches for visualizing and manipulating astrocyte activity in vivo. Deciphering how astrocyte network activity is controlled in different physiological and pathological contexts is crucial for defining their roles in the healthy and diseased CNS.