Norepinephrine acts through radial astrocytes in the developing optic tectum to enhance threat detection and escape behavior

The ability to switch behavioral states is essential for animals to adapt and survive. We investigated how norepinephrine (NE) activation of radial astrocytes alters visual processing in the optic tectum (OT) of developing Xenopus laevis . NE activates calcium transients in radial astrocytes through α1-adrenergic receptors. NE and radial astrocyte activation shifted OT response selectivity to preferentially respond to looming stimuli, associated with predation threat. NE-mediated astrocytic release of ATP/adenosine reduced excitatory transmission by retinal ganglion cell axons, without affecting inhibitory transmission in the OT. Blockade of adenosine receptors prevented both decreased neurotransmission and the selectivity shift. Chemogenetic activation of tectal radial astrocytes reproduced NE’s effects and enhanced behavioral detection of looming stimuli in freely swimming animals. NE signaling via radial astrocytes enhances network signal-to-noise for detecting threatening stimuli, with important implications for sensory processing and behavior.