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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 main role of astrocytes is to maintain brain homeostasis and neuronal metabolism. When the astrocytes become activated, they begin to respond to damage. [3] Astrocyte activation, known as astrogliosis, responds to neurological trauma, infections, degradations, epilepsy, and tumorigenesis. Each neurological insult plays a major role in ...
Micrograph showing gliosis in the cerebellum. Reactive astrocytes on the left display severe proliferation and domain overlap. Reactive astrogliosis is the most common form of gliosis and involves the proliferation of astrocytes, a type of glial cell responsible for maintaining extracellular ion and neurotransmitter concentrations, modulating synapse function, and forming the blood–brain ...
The two types of aquaporins expressed in the CNS are aquaporin-1, which is expressed by specialized epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, and aquaporin-4 (AQP4), which is expressed by astrocytes. [12] [13] Aquaporin-4 expression in astrocytes is highly polarized to the endfoot processes ensheathing the cerebral vasculature. Up to 50% of the ...
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.
Evidence for the role of astrocytes in the integration and processing of synaptic integration presents itself in a number of ways: Astrocytes are excitable cells: In response to stimuli from any of the three components of the tripartite synapse, astrocytes are capable of producing transient changes in their intracellular calcium concentrations through release of calcium stores from 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.
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.