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Mitochondrial damage in these astrocytes could thus alter the function of leptin-sensitive neurons and could contribute to an aging-associated dysregulation of feeding and body weight. [81] GP astrocytes may also be involved in the hypothalamic regulation of overall glucose metabolism.
The net effect is a calcium wave that propagates from cell to cell. Extracellular release of ATP and consequent activation of purinergic receptors on other astrocytes may also mediate calcium waves in some cases. In general, there are two types of astrocytes, protoplasmic and fibrous, similar in function but distinct in morphology and distribution.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a protein that is encoded by the GFAP gene in humans. [5] It is a type III intermediate filament (IF) protein that is expressed by numerous cell types of the central nervous system (CNS), including astrocytes [6] and ependymal cells during development. [7]
The astrocytes of the glia limitans are responsible for separating the brain into two primary compartments. The first compartment is the immune-privileged brain and spinal cord parenchyma. This compartment contains multiple immunosuppressive cell surface proteins such as CD200 and CD95L and it allows for the release of anti-inflammatory factors.
SGCs are present in the PNS in fewer numbers than other more well-known types of glial cells, like astrocytes, but have been determined to affect nociception because of some of their physiological and pharmacological properties. [21] In fact, just like astrocytes, SGCs have the ability to sense and regulate neighboring neuronal activity. [30]
Astrocytes participating in gliosis are referred to as reactive astrocytes. Gemistocytic astrocytes are assumed to be intensely active cells because the astrocytomas evolve into glioblastomas. Tritiated thymidine can be used to determine the rate of cell division and cellular origins of gemistocytic astrocytes, leading to the discovery of the ...
Glia are the supporting cells of the neurons and have many functions of which not all are clearly understood, but include providing support and nutrients to the neurons. Glia are grouped into macroglia –astrocytes, ependymal cells, and oligodendrocytes, and much smaller microglia which are the macrophages of the central nervous system.
Microglia also constantly monitor neuronal functions through direct somatic contacts via their microglial processes, and exert neuroprotective effects when needed. [ 10 ] [ 11 ] The brain and spinal cord, which make up the CNS, are not usually accessed directly by pathogenic factors in the body's circulation due to a series of endothelial cells ...