Neuron–Glia Interactions at the Neuromuscular Synapse

: The contribution of glial cells in the regulation of the transfer of information in CNS and PNS is now increasingly recognized. Perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs), glial cells at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), have proven to be an exceptionally important model for studying these roles. PSCs surround nerve terminals at the NMJ and are activated by transmitter release in a frequency-dependent manner. All of these receptors, except one type, are coupled to G proteins and can be regrouped into two categories: activators and modulators of PSCs. In the former category are muscarinic (unknown subtype) and purinergic receptors (P2X and P2Y). In the latter category are adenosine (A1), Substance P (NK-1) and CGRP receptors. All receptors coupled to G proteins induce the release of Ca2+ from internal stores. In return for this activation, PSCs modulate synaptic activity and short-term plasticity. In this review, we will focus on the role of purines in the induction of glial cell activity and their possible involvement in the modulation of synaptic transmission as a result of the synaptic-induced glial activity.