Astrocytes serve important roles that affect recruitment and function of neurons at the local and network levels. Here we review the contributions of astrocyte signaling to synaptic plasticity, neuronal network oscillations, and memory function. The roles played by astrocytes are not fully understood, but astrocytes seem to contribute to memory consolidation and seem to mediate the effects of vigilance and arousal on memory performance. Understanding the role of astrocytes in cognitive processes may also advance our understanding of how these processes go awry in pathological conditions. Indeed, abnormal astrocytic signaling can cause or contribute to synaptic and network imbalances, leading to cognitive impairment. We discuss evidence for this from animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis and from animal studies of sleep deprivation and drug abuse and addiction. Understanding the emerging roles of astrocytes in cognitive function and dysfunction will open up a large array of new therapeutic opportunities.

星形胶质细胞起着重要作用，在局部和网络水平上影响神经元的募集和功能。在这里，我们审查星形胶质细胞信号对突触可塑性，神经网络振荡和记忆功能的贡献。星形胶质细胞所起的作用尚不完全清楚，但星形胶质细胞似乎有助于记忆巩固，似乎介导了警惕性和唤醒对记忆性能的影响。了解星形胶质细胞在认知过程中的作用也可能使我们进一步了解这些过程在病理情况下如何发生变化。确实，异常的星形细胞信号可导致或促成突触和网络失衡，从而导致认知障碍。我们从阿尔茨海默氏病和多发性硬化症的动物模型以及睡眠剥夺，药物滥用和成瘾的动物研究中讨论了这一点的证据。了解星形胶质细胞在认知功能和功能障碍中的新兴作用，将开辟一系列新的治疗机会。