scholarly journals The role of glial cells in synaptic function

1999 ◽  
Vol 354 (1381) ◽  
pp. 403-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Bacci ◽  
Claudia Verderio ◽  
Elena Pravettoni ◽  
Michela Matteoli

Glial cells represent the most abundant cell population in the central nervous system and for years they have been thought to provide just structural and trophic support to neurons. Recently, several studies were performed, leading to the identification of an active interaction between glia and neurons. This paper focuses on the role played by glial cells at the level of the synapse, reviewing recent data defining how glia is determinant in synaptogenesis, in the modulation of fully working synaptic contacts and in synaptic plasticity.

Author(s):  
Saif Shahriar Rahman Nirzhor ◽  
Rubayat Islam Khan ◽  
Sharmind Neelotpol

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is very complicated and not well-understood. As more and more studies are performed with regards to this disease, new insights are coming to light. Much of the research in AD so far has been very neuron-oriented however, recent studies suggest that certain glial cells i.e. microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and NG2 glia are linked to the pathogenesis of AD and may offer several potential therapeutic targets in the long-standing battle against AD. Glial cells are responsible for maintaining homeostasis (i.e. concentration of ions and neurotransmitters) within the neuronal environment of the central nervous system (CNS) and are crucial to the integrity of neurons. This review explores the (1) role of glial cells in AD pathogenesis, (2) complex functionalities of the components involved and (3) potential therapeutic targets that it could eventuate leading to a better quality of life for AD patients.


2020 ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
T. Shirshova

Disorders of the musculoskeletal system in school-age children occupy 1-2 places in the structure of functional abnormalities. Cognitive impairment without organic damage to the central nervous system is detected in 30-56% of healthy school children. Along with the increase in the incidence rate, the demand for rehabilitation systems, which allow patients to return to normal life as soon as possible and maintain the motivation for the rehabilitation process, is also growing. Adaptation of rehabilitation techniques, ease of equipment management, availability of specially trained personnel and availability of technical support for complexes becomes important.


Author(s):  
Prithiv K R Kumar

Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into any type of cell or organ. Stems cell originate from any part of the body, including the brain. Brain cells or rather neural stem cells have the capacitive advantage of differentiating into the central nervous system leading to the formation of neurons and glial cells. Neural stem cells should have a source by editing DNA, or by mixings chemical enzymes of iPSCs. By this method, a limitless number of neuron stem cells can be obtained. Increase in supply of NSCs help in repairing glial cells which in-turn heal the central nervous system. Generally, brain injuries cause motor and sensory deficits leading to stroke. With all trials from novel therapeutic methods to enhanced rehabilitation time, the economy and quality of life is suppressed. Only PSCs have proven effective for grafting cells into NSCs. Neurons derived from stem cells is the only challenge that limits in-vitro usage in the near future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 750-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Wu ◽  
Hengxun He ◽  
Zhibin Cheng ◽  
Yueyu Bai ◽  
Xi Ma

Obesity is one of the main challenges of public health in the 21st century. Obesity can induce a series of chronic metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and nonalcoholic fatty liver, which seriously affect human health. Gut-brain axis, the two-direction pathway formed between enteric nervous system and central nervous system, plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of obesity. Gastrointestinal signals are projected through the gut-brain axis to nervous system, and respond to various gastrointestinal stimulation. The central nervous system regulates visceral activity through the gut-brain axis. Brain-gut peptides have important regulatory roles in the gut-brain axis. The brain-gut peptides of the gastrointestinal system and the nervous system regulate the gastrointestinal movement, feeling, secretion, absorption and other complex functions through endocrine, neurosecretion and paracrine to secrete peptides. Both neuropeptide Y and peptide YY belong to the pancreatic polypeptide family and are important brain-gut peptides. Neuropeptide Y and peptide YY have functions that are closely related to appetite regulation and obesity formation. This review describes the role of the gutbrain axis in regulating appetite and maintaining energy balance, and the functions of brain-gut peptides neuropeptide Y and peptide YY in obesity. The relationship between NPY and PYY and the interaction between the NPY-PYY signaling with the gut microbiota are also described in this review.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yudan Zhu ◽  
Shuzhang Zhang ◽  
Yijun Feng ◽  
Qian Xiao ◽  
Jiwei Cheng ◽  
...  

Background & Objective: The large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel, extensively distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), is considered as a vital player in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, with evidence implicating derangement of K+ as well as regulating action potential shape and duration. However, unlike other channels implicated in epilepsy whose function in neurons could clearly be labeled “excitatory” or “inhibitory”, the unique physiological behavior of the BK channel allows it to both augment and decrease the excitability of neurons. Thus, the role of BK in epilepsy is controversial so far, and a growing area of intense investigation. Conclusion: Here, this review aims to highlight recent discoveries on the dichotomous role of BK channels in epilepsy, focusing on relevant BK-dependent pro- as well as antiepileptic pathways, and discuss the potential of BK specific modulators for the treatment of epilepsy.


Author(s):  
Giedre Milinkeviciute ◽  
Karina S. Cramer

The auditory brainstem carries out sound localization functions that require an extraordinary degree of precision. While many of the specializations needed for these functions reside in auditory neurons, additional adaptations are made possible by the functions of glial cells. Astrocytes, once thought to have mainly a supporting role in nervous system function, are now known to participate in synaptic function. In the auditory brainstem, they contribute to development of specialized synapses and to mature synaptic function. Oligodendrocytes play critical roles in regulating timing in sound localization circuitry. Microglia enter the central nervous system early in development, and also have important functions in the auditory system’s response to injury. This chapter highlights the unique functions of these non-neuronal cells in the auditory system.


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