Astrocytes: integrators of arousal state and sensory context

The integration of external information with the internal state of the body is central to the survival of virtually every multicellular organism. However, a complete picture of the mechanisms that govern this process is lacking. In this opinion article, we synthesize evidence demonstrating that astrocytes sense the momentary arousal state – through neuromodulator release – as well as the sensory inputs – through local synaptic activity – and respond to them with changes in calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling. We hypothesize that astrocytes integrate sensory signals with the internal state and that this process is necessary to secure optimal behavior. Finally, we argue that dysfunctional astrocytic Ca²⁺ signaling could be an underlying factor in disorders characterized by disrupted sensory processing.