We can only speculate as to the functional distinction between telencephalic and non-telencephalic astrocytes. Given the important role of astrocytes in maintaining neurotransmission, it’s striking that the distinction between telencephalic and non-telencephalic astrocytes coincided with the prevalence of VGLUT1 in the telencephalon versus VGLUT2 in the di-/mesencephalon and hindbrain (Figures S1C and S2G; however, the thalamus used both VGLUTs). This indicates a possible role in maintaining distinct modes of glutamatergic neurotransmission.
