Functional consequences of morphological neuroglial changes in the magnocellular nuclei of the hypothalamus

The supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus undergo reversible anatomical changes under conditions of intense neurohypophysial hormone secretion, such as lactation, parturition and chronic dehydration. This morphological remodelling includes a reduction in astrocytic coverage of neurones resulting in an increase in the number and extent of directly juxtaposed somatic and dendritic surfaces. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that such anatomical plasticity is of functional significance. Astrocytic-dependent clearance of electrolytes and neurotransmitters from the extracellular space appears to be altered under conditions where glial coverage of magnocellular neurones is reduced. Glutamate, for example, has been found to accumulate in the extracellular space in the supraoptic nucleus of lactating animals and cause a modulation of synaptic efficacy. On the other hand, the range of action of substances released from astrocytes and acting on adjacent magnocellular neurones is expected to be limited during such anatomical remodelling. It thus appears that the structural plasticity of the magnocellular nuclei does affect neuroglial interactions, inducing significant changes in signal transmission and processing.