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Schematic of gliotransmission via astrocytic processes. Glutamate released from presynaptic neurons binds to postsynaptic AMPA receptors (AMPAR) and also to metabotropic glutamate receptors on astrocytes. This stimulates an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in astrocytes, which in turn release ATP. Accumulation of adenosine from ATP breakdown in the extracellular space acts via adenosine 1 receptors (A1Rs) to depress synaptic activity.
