Disruption of IP3R2-mediated Ca2+ signaling pathway in astrocytes ameliorates neuronal death and brain damage while reducing behavioral deficits after focal ischemic stroke

- IP3R2 KO mice exhibited normal brain cytoarchitecture, the same densities of mature astrocytes and neurons, the same GFAP and GLT-1 levels as WT mice.
- IP3R2 KO mice did not exhibit ATP-induced Ca2+ waves in vivo in the astrocytic network, but exhibit spontaneous Ca2+ increases in astrocytic processes.
- IP3R2 KO mice had smaller infarction than WT mice in acute and chronic phases of ischemia. These KO mice also exhibited less neuronal apoptosis, reactive astrogliosis, and tissue loss than WT mice.
- IP3R2 KO mice exhibited reduced functional deficits after PT.