In a landmark study published in Nature Communications, researchers discovered that astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells, play a critical role in regulating stress reactions within the brain's lateral septum. This revelation represents a huge shift in our understanding of how the brain controls stress, opening up new possibilities for mental health treatments.

Researchers have discovered astrocytes, previously known for their supportive role in nerve cell activity, as crucial participants in stress management. Prof. Lee Hyo-sang of the Department of Brain Sciences at DGIST and Prof. Choi Sae-Young of Seoul National University coordinated the study, which demonstrates how these cells actively influence neuronal activity during stressful situations.

When stressed, astrocytes increase their intracellular calcium levels and emit a signaling chemical called adenosine.  This chemical inhibits the activity of adjacent neurones, essentially decreasing the brain's response to stress.

The research has unveiled a fascinating complexity in the way astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, respond to stress. The study revealed that these cells adapt their reactions based on the type and severity of stress, as well as their specific location within the brain. For instance, astrocytes in the dorsolateral septum appear to amplify emotional responses, such as heightened anxiety and increased social avoidance behaviors. Meanwhile, astrocytes in the intermediate lateral septum are more directly involved in physiological responses, including elevated heart rate and stress hormone production under certain conditions. These findings highlight the dynamic and region-specific roles astrocytes play in modulating both emotional and physical stress responses, offering deeper insight into their critical involvement in maintaining brain-body equilibrium under stress.

This research has important implications for treating neuropsychiatric diseases like anxiety and depression. Researchers anticipate that targeting astrocyte-neurone connections could lead to the development of innovative medicines that better manage stress responses.

"Through this study, we learned that astrocytes play a key role in stress and emotion regulation," said Dr. Lee. "We hope to contribute to the development of treatments for mental disorders based on this research."

The study's authors stress that understanding how astrocytes and neural circuits work could help us find better ways to treat stress-related illnesses. This would mean moving away from treatments that focus on neurones and towards a broader understanding of how the brain works as a whole.

This study is the first to describe the methods by which astrocytes sense stress, communicate with neurones, and regulate responses. The study's findings pave the path for new therapeutic approaches, such as medications or technology that modulate astrocyte activity to treat anxiety, depression, and other stress-related diseases.

The researchers believe that their findings will encourage additional research into glial cell functions, challenging neuroscience's traditional neurone-dominated perspective.

As Prof. Lee and his colleagues continue their research, the findings serve as a reminder that the brain's complexity extends beyond neurones, with astrocytes emerging as critical players in the delicate orchestration of mental health and well-being