Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences
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The role of glial cells in synaptic function

Alberto Bacci

Alberto Bacci

CNR-Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and ‘B. Ceccarelli’ Centers, Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Milano, viaVanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy

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Claudia Verderio

Claudia Verderio

CNR-Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and ‘B. Ceccarelli’ Centers, Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Milano, viaVanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy

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Elena Pravettoni

Elena Pravettoni

CNR-Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and ‘B. Ceccarelli’ Centers, Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Milano, viaVanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy

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Michela Matteoli

Michela Matteoli

CNR-Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and ‘B. Ceccarelli’ Centers, Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Milano, viaVanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy

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Published:https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1999.0393

    Glial cells represent the most abundant cell population in the central nervous system and for years they have been thought to provide just structural and trophic support to neurons. Recently, several studies were performed, leading to the identification of an active interaction between glia and neurons. This paper focuses on the role played by glial cells at the level of the synapse, reviewing recent data defining how glia is determinant in synaptogenesis, in the modulation of fully working synaptic contacts and in synaptic plasticity.