Physiology of Astroglia

Physiology of Astroglia PDF Author: Alexei Verkhratsky
Publisher: Biota Publishing
ISBN: 1615046739
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
Astrocytes can be defined as the glia inhabiting the nervous system with the main function in the maintenance of nervous tissue homeostasis. Classified into several types according to their morphological appearance, many of astrocytes form a reticular structure known as astroglial syncytium, owing to their coupling via intercellular channels organized into gap junctions. Not only do astrocytes establish such homocellular contacts, but they also engage in intimate heterocellular interactions with neurons, most notably at synaptic sites. As synaptic structures house the very core of information transfer and processing in the nervous system, astroglial perisynaptic positioning assures that these glial cells can nourish neurons and establish bidirectional communication with them, functions outlined in the concepts of the astrocytic cradle and multi-partite synapse, respectively. Astrocytes possess a rich assortment of ligand receptors, ion and water channels, and ion and ligand transporters, which collectively contribute to astrocytic control of homeostasis and excitability. Astroglia control glutamate and adenosine homeostasis to exert modulatory actions affecting the real-time operation of synapses. Fluctuations of intracellular calcium can lead to the release of various chemical transmitters from astrocytes through a process termed gliotransmission. Sodium fluctuations are closely associated to those of calcium with both dynamic events interfacing signaling and metabolism. Astrocytes appear fully integrated into the brain cellular circuitry, being an indispensable part of neural networks.

Physiology of Astroglia

Physiology of Astroglia PDF Author: Alexei Verkhratsky
Publisher: Biota Publishing
ISBN: 1615046739
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
Astrocytes can be defined as the glia inhabiting the nervous system with the main function in the maintenance of nervous tissue homeostasis. Classified into several types according to their morphological appearance, many of astrocytes form a reticular structure known as astroglial syncytium, owing to their coupling via intercellular channels organized into gap junctions. Not only do astrocytes establish such homocellular contacts, but they also engage in intimate heterocellular interactions with neurons, most notably at synaptic sites. As synaptic structures house the very core of information transfer and processing in the nervous system, astroglial perisynaptic positioning assures that these glial cells can nourish neurons and establish bidirectional communication with them, functions outlined in the concepts of the astrocytic cradle and multi-partite synapse, respectively. Astrocytes possess a rich assortment of ligand receptors, ion and water channels, and ion and ligand transporters, which collectively contribute to astrocytic control of homeostasis and excitability. Astroglia control glutamate and adenosine homeostasis to exert modulatory actions affecting the real-time operation of synapses. Fluctuations of intracellular calcium can lead to the release of various chemical transmitters from astrocytes through a process termed gliotransmission. Sodium fluctuations are closely associated to those of calcium with both dynamic events interfacing signaling and metabolism. Astrocytes appear fully integrated into the brain cellular circuitry, being an indispensable part of neural networks.

Astrocytes in (Patho)Physiology of the Nervous System

Astrocytes in (Patho)Physiology of the Nervous System PDF Author: Vladimir Parpura
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387794921
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 701

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Book Description
Astrocytes were the original neuroglia that Ramón y Cajal visualized in 1913 using a gold sublimate stain. This stain targeted intermediate filaments that we now know consist mainly of glial fibrillary acidic protein, a protein used today as an astrocytic marker. Cajal described the morphological diversity of these cells with some ast- cytes surrounding neurons, while the others are intimately associated with vasculature. We start the book by discussing the heterogeneity of astrocytes using contemporary tools and by calling into question the assumption by classical neuroscience that neurons and glia are derived from distinct pools of progenitor cells. Astrocytes have long been neglected as active participants in intercellular communication and information processing in the central nervous system, in part due to their lack of electrical excitability. The follow up chapters review the “nuts and bolts” of ast- cytic physiology; astrocytes possess a diverse assortment of ion channels, neu- transmitter receptors, and transport mechanisms that enable the astrocytes to respond to many of the same signals that act on neurons. Since astrocytes can detect chemical transmitters that are released from neurons and can release their own extracellular signals there is an increasing awareness that they play physiological roles in regulating neuronal activity and synaptic transmission. In addition to these physiological roles, it is becoming increasingly recognized that astrocytes play critical roles during pathophysiological states of the nervous system; these states include gliomas, Alexander disease, and epilepsy to mention a few.

Glial Physiology and Pathophysiology

Glial Physiology and Pathophysiology PDF Author: Alexei Verkhratsky
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118402057
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 473

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Book Description
Glial Physiology and Pathophysiology provides a comprehensive, advanced text on the biology and pathology of glial cells. Coverae includes: the morphology and interrelationships between glial cells and neurones in different parts of the nervous systems the cellular physiology of the different kinds of glial cells the mechanisms of intra- and inter-cellular signalling in glial networks the mechanisms of glial-neuronal communications the role of glial cells in synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival and development of nervous system the cellular and molecular mechanisms of metabolic neuronal-glial interactions the role of glia in nervous system pathology, including pathology of glial cells and associated diseases - for example, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Alexander disease and Parkinson's Neuroglia oversee the birth and development of neurones, the establishment of interneuronal connections (the 'connectome'), the maintenance and removal of these inter-neuronal connections, writing of the nervous system components, adult neurogenesis, the energetics of nervous tissue, metabolism of neurotransmitters, regulation of ion composition of the interstitial space and many, many more homeostatic functions. This book primes the reader towards the notion that nervous tissue is not divided into more important and less important cells. The nervous tissue functions because of the coherent and concerted action of many different cell types, each contributing to an ultimate output. This reaches its zenith in humans, with the creation of thoughts, underlying acquisition of knowledge, its analysis and synthesis, and contemplating the Universe and our place in it. An up-to-date and fully referenced text on the most numerous cells in the human brain Detailed coverage of the morphology and interrelationships between glial cells and neurones in different parts of the nervous system Describes the role og glial cells in neuropathology Focus boxes highlight key points and summarise important facts Companion website with downloadable figures and slides

Astrocytes Pt 2: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology of Astrocytes

Astrocytes Pt 2: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology of Astrocytes PDF Author: Sergey Fedorff
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323150497
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 434

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Book Description
Astrocytes: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology of Astrocytes, Volume 2 focuses on the physiological and pharmacological aspects of astrocytes. This volume gives specific attention to intracellular metabolic activity; membrane components and functions; responses to neurotransmitters and other intrinsic factors; and neuronal-glial interactions. Studies in this text establishe the astrocyte as an essential neuronal partner in the neuronal-glial interrelationship throughout the life-span of the neuron and also further explain the potential roles of astrocytes in brain function. Cell physiologists, neurophysiologists, neuropharmacologists, pediatric neurologists, and gerontologists will find the book interesting.

Astrocyte

Astrocyte PDF Author: Maria Teresa Gentile
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 9535138855
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 244

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Book Description
A team of authors from prestigious academic schools contributed to draw up a project that would give a detailed account of astrocyte's morphology and physiology, examining thoroughly all the astrocyte's types; giving an accurate description of their morphology, location, function in the brain; and illustrating their physiology and pathology in terms of dealing with neurons through "gliotransmitters," ionic channels, and membrane receptors expression. This book gives an overview of the crucial role of astrocytes in the physiology of the CNS and in the pathogenesis of several CNS disorders suggesting that the shift from a neurocentric view to one that incorporates astrocytes in disease models for drug discovery is a critical step in renewing drug development strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Astrocytes Pt 3: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology of Astrocytes

Astrocytes Pt 3: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology of Astrocytes PDF Author: Sergey Fedorff
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323148557
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 487

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Book Description
Astrocytes: Cell Biology and Pathology of Astrocytes, Volume 3 deals with the involvement of astrocytes in neurological and neuropathological states of brain function. This volume discusses the expression of astrocyte-specific immunological markers and plasma membrane structures; the dynamics of the cytoskeleton and cell cycle; and the reactivity to injury and response of astrocytes in selected pathological and genetic states. The text also aims to inspire new ideas and research on astrocyte functions as well as on the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Neuroscientists, cell biologists, clinicians, neuropathologists, and pediatric neurologists will find the book invaluable.

Enteric Glia

Enteric Glia PDF Author: Brian D. Gulbransen
Publisher: Biota Publishing
ISBN: 1615046615
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 72

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Book Description
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex neural network embedded in the gut wall that orchestrates the reflex behaviors of the intestine. The ENS is often referred to as the “little brain” in the gut because the ENS is more similar in size, complexity and autonomy to the central nervous system (CNS) than other components of the autonomic nervous system. Like the brain, the ENS is composed of neurons that are surrounded by glial cells. Enteric glia are a unique type of peripheral glia that are similar to astrocytes of the CNS. Yet enteric glial cells also differ from astrocytes in many important ways. The roles of enteric glial cell populations in the gut are beginning to come to light and recent evidence implicates enteric glia in almost every aspect of gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. However, elucidating the exact mechanisms by which enteric glia influence gastrointestinal physiology and identifying how those roles are altered during gastrointestinal pathophysiology remain areas of intense research. The purpose of this e-book is to provide an introduction to enteric glial cells and to act as a resource for ongoing studies on this fascinating population of glia. Table of Contents: Introduction / A Historical Perspective on Enteric Glia / Enteric Glia: The Astroglia of the Gut / Molecular Composition of Enteric Glia / Development of Enteric Glia / Functional Roles of Enteric Glia / Enteric Glia and Disease Processes in the Gut / Concluding Remarks / References / Author Biography

Astrocytes in Psychiatric Disorders

Astrocytes in Psychiatric Disorders PDF Author: Baoman Li
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030773752
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 368

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Book Description
This contributed volume discusses the multiple roles of astrocytes, which determine the progression and outcome of neuropsychiatric diseases. This emerging area of study examines the ways in which astrocytes are involved in various aspects of disease initiation, progression and resolution. This monograph aims to integrate the body of information that has accumulated in recent years revealing the active role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric pathology and in psychiatric disorders. Understanding roles of astrocytes in pathology will provide new targets for medical intervention and aid the development of much needed therapeutics. This book will be valuable for researchers and workers in the fields of neurobiology, neurology, and psychiatry, as well as fill the need for a textbook used in advanced courses/graduate seminars in glial pathophysiology.

Astrocytes Pt 1: Development, Morphology, and Regional Specialization of Astrocytes

Astrocytes Pt 1: Development, Morphology, and Regional Specialization of Astrocytes PDF Author: Sergey Fedorff
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323152473
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 395

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Book Description
Astrocytes: Development, Morphology, and Regional Specialization of Astrocytes, Volume 1 provides an overview of the development and diversity of astrocytes in the whole central nervous system and serves as a guide to the members of the astrocyte family. This volume discusses the phylogenetic and ontogenetic development, the origin, differentiation, and topographical distribution of astrocytes. The text deals mainly with astrocytes in the brains of birds and mammals because of the maximum diversity and specialization of glial cells found in these vertebrates. The book will be of great use to cellular biologists, developmental neurobiologists, pediatric neurologists, neurochemists, neurologists, and neuropathologists.

Brain Neurotrauma

Brain Neurotrauma PDF Author: Firas H. Kobeissy
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1466565993
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 718

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Book Description
With the contribution from more than one hundred CNS neurotrauma experts, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account on the latest developments in the area of neurotrauma including biomarker studies, experimental models, diagnostic methods, and neurotherapeutic intervention strategies in brain injury research. It discusses neurotrauma mechanisms, biomarker discovery, and neurocognitive and neurobehavioral deficits. Also included are medical interventions and recent neurotherapeutics used in the area of brain injury that have been translated to the area of rehabilitation research. In addition, a section is devoted to models of milder CNS injury, including sports injuries.