Buch, Englisch, 172 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 191 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 338 g
Reihe: Colloquium Series on Neuroglia in Biology and Medicine: From Physiology to Disease
Channels, Receptors, Transporters, Ion Signaling and Gliotransmission
Buch, Englisch, 172 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 191 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 338 g
Reihe: Colloquium Series on Neuroglia in Biology and Medicine: From Physiology to Disease
ISBN: 978-1-61504-672-0
Verlag: Biota Publishing
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.
Autoren/Hrsg.
Weitere Infos & Material
- Acknowledgments
- List of Abbreviations
- Astrocytes: General Perspective
- Ion Distribution and Membrane Potential
- Ion Channels
- Neurotransmitter Receptors
- Membrane Transporters
- Ionic Signaling in Astroglia
- Gliotransmission: Astrocytes as Secretory Cells of the Nervous System
- Concluding Remarks
- References
- Author Biographies
