Astrocytes and Serotonin: Key Players in Sensory Perception

Astrocytes, a type of brain cell, play a critical role in olfactory perception or smell detection. During olfactory stimulation, serotonin transporter Slc22a3 in astrocytes mediates serotonin transport into the cells, influencing gene expression. This process contributes to the production of the neurotransmitter GABA, a crucial component in the neural circuit for sensory perception. The findings highlight the plasticity of astrocytes and their ability to change their characteristics and functions in response to environmental stimuli, playing a pivotal role in sensory processing and behavior.