This study investigated the role of hippocampal astrocytes in modulating anxiety-like behavior in mice. Using two-photon calcium imaging, the researchers showed that hippocampal astrocyte calcium activity reflects the mouse's affective state during a virtual elevated plus maze test. Optogenetic activation of hippocampal astrocytes, increasing intracellular calcium, induced anxiolytic behaviors. This anxiolytic effect was mediated by ATP released from activated astrocytes, which increased excitatory synaptic transmission in dentate gyrus granule cells. The findings suggest that manipulating hippocampal astrocyte activity could be a therapeutic strategy for anxiety disorders.

Woo-Hyun Cho, Kyungchul Noh, Byung Hun Lee, Ellane Barcelon, Sang Beom Jun, Hye Yoon Park, Sung Joong Lee