Activity-dependent long-term changes in synaptic transmission known as synaptic plasticity are fundamental processes in brain function and are recognized as the cellular basis of learning and memory. While the neuronal mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity have been largely identified, the involvement of astrocytes in these processes has been less recognized. However, astrocytes are emerging as important cells that regulate synaptic function by interacting with neurons at tripartite synapses. In this review, we discuss recent evidence suggesting that astrocytes are necessary elements in long-term synaptic depression (LTD). We highlight the mechanistic heterogeneity of astrocyte contribution to this form of synaptic plasticity and propose that astrocytes are integral participants in LTD.

突触传递中依赖于活动的长期变化，称为突触可塑性，是大脑功能的基本过程，被认为是学习和记忆的细胞基础。虽然突触可塑性背后的神经元机制已基本确定，但星形胶质细胞参与这些过程的认识较少。然而，星形胶质细胞正在成为重要的细胞，它们通过与三联突触处的神经元相互作用来调节突触功能。在这篇综述中，我们讨论了最近的证据表明星形胶质细胞是长期突触抑制 (LTD) 的必要元素。我们强调了星形胶质细胞对这种形式的突触可塑性贡献的机械异质性，并提出星形胶质细胞是 LTD 不可或缺的参与者。