Author/Editor		Verkhratsky, Alexei; Nedergaard, Maiken; Hertz, Leif
Title		Why are astrocytes important?
Type		članek
Vol. and No.		Letnik 40, št. 2
Publication year		2015
Volume		str. 389-401
ISSN		0364-3190 - Neurochemical research
Language		eng
Abstract		Astrocytes, which populate the grey and white mater of the brain and the spinal cord are highly heterogeneous in their morphology and function. These cells are primarily responsible for homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Most central synapses are surrounded by exceedingly thin astroglial perisynaptic processes, which act as astroglial cradle critical for genesis, maturation and maintenance of synaptic connectivity. The perisynaptic glial processes are densely packed with numerous transporters, which provide for homeostasis of ions and neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, for local metabolic support and for release of astroglial derived scavengers of reactive oxygen species. Through perivascular processes astrocytes contribute to blood-brain barrier and form glymphatic drainage system of the CNS. Furthermore astrocytes are indispensible for glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyrate-ergic synaptic transmission being the supplier of neurotransmitters precursor glutamine via an astrocytic/neuronal cycle. Pathogenesis of many neurological disorders, including neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases is defined by loss of homeostatic function (astroglial asthenia) or remodelling of astroglial homoeostatic capabilities. Astroglial cells further contribute to neuropathologies through mounting complex defensive programme generally known as reactive astrogliosis.
Keywords		astrocytes glutamate neurological disorder astrociti glutamat nevrološka motnja