以往对学习记忆机理的研究主要集中在神经元上，而星形胶质细胞传统上被认为仅仅是一种被动的支持细胞。近年发现星形胶质细胞在调控突触传递及其可塑性中发挥重要作用，但是星形胶质细胞是否通过这种主动的信号处理方式而参与调控学习记忆行为目前尚缺乏直接的证据。我们前期的预实验结果发现星型胶质细胞的神经递质G蛋白偶联受体介导的钙信号通路在调控海马依赖性学习记忆及突触可塑性中发挥重要作用，其机制可能与星形胶质细胞释放的BDNF和ATP有关。本项目将进一步①确定星形胶质细胞的神经递质G蛋白偶联受体介导的钙信号通路在调控海马依赖性学习记忆及突触可塑性中的作用；②阐明星形胶质细胞释放的BDNF和ATP在调控海马依赖性学习记忆及突触可塑性中的作用及其机理；③确定星形胶质细胞上参与调控海马依赖性学习记忆及突触可塑性的主要神经递质G蛋白偶联受体类型。本研究将揭示星形胶质细胞调控学习记忆的新功能，提出学习记忆的新细胞机制

So far, studies on the mechanisms underlying learning and memory has focused almost on the neurons, while astrocyte has long been considered as a passive cell to support neurons. Recently, accumulating evidence indicates that astrocytes play a important role in modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity. But there is few direct evidence to show a contribution of the astrocyte as an active signaling integrator to learning and memory behavior. Our preliminary study indicated that the astrocytic G protein coupled neurotransmitter receptor-mediated calcium signaling regulates the hippocampus-dependent learning and memory behaviors and synaptic plasticity,which may be mediated by astrocyte-released BDNF and ATP . The present project will further determine ① the role of astrocytic G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptor-mediated calcium signaling in regulation of the hippocampus-dependent learning and memory behaviors and synaptic plasticity;② the role of astrocyte-released BDNF and ATP in regulation of the hippocampus-dependent learning and memory behaviors and synaptic plasticity;③ the major types of G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors,which are involved in regulation of the hippocampus-dependent learning and memory behaviors and synaptic plasticity. This study will reveal novel astrocytic function of modulating learning and memory and shed new light on the cellar mechanisms of learning and memory.