Browsing by Author "Vergara, Sergio A."
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Publication Acute activation of hemichannels by ethanol leads to Ca2+ -dependent gliotransmitter release in astrocytes(2024) Gómez, Gonzalo I.; García-Rodríguez, Claudia; Marillán, Jesús E.; Vergara, Sergio A.; Alvear, Tanhia F.; Farias-Pasten, Arantza; Sáez, Juan C.; Retamal, Mauricio A.; Rovegno, Maximiliano; Ortiz, Fernando C.; Orellana, Juan A.Multiple studies have demonstrated that acute ethanol consumption alters brain function and cognition. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Astrocyte-mediated gliotransmission is crucial for hippocampal plasticity, and recently, the opening of hemichannels has been found to play a relevant role in this process. Hemichannels are plasma membrane channels composed of six connexins or seven pannexins, respectively, that oligomerize around a central pore. They serve as ionic and molecular exchange conduits between the cytoplasm and extracellular milieu, allowing the release of various paracrine substances, such as ATP, D-serine, and glutamate, and the entry of ions and other substances, such as Ca2+ and glucose. The persistent and exacerbated opening of hemichannels has been associated with the pathogenesis and progression of several brain diseases for at least three mechanisms.