Astrocytes Biochemistry Physiology And Pharmacology Of Astrocytes

Astrocytes: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology of Astrocytes, Volume 2 focuses on the physiological and pharmacological aspects of astrocytes. This volume gives specific attention to intracellular metabolic activity; membrane components and functions; responses to neurotransmitters and other intrinsic factors; and neuronal-glial interactions. Studies in this text establishe the astrocyte as an essential neuronal partner in the neuronal-glial interrelationship throughout the life-span of the neuron and also further explain the potential roles of astrocytes in brain function. Cell physiologists, neurophysiologists, neuropharmacologists, pediatric neurologists, and gerontologists will find the book interesting.

Astrocytes: Cell Biology and Pathology of Astrocytes, Volume 3 deals with the involvement of astrocytes in neurological and neuropathological states of brain function. This volume discusses the expression of astrocyte-specific immunological markers and plasma membrane structures; the dynamics of the cytoskeleton and cell cycle; and the reactivity to injury and response of astrocytes in selected pathological and genetic states. The text also aims to inspire new ideas and research on astrocyte functions as well as on the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Neuroscientists, cell biologists, clinicians, neuropathologists, and pediatric neurologists will find the book invaluable.

A team of authors from prestigious academic schools contributed to draw up a project that would give a detailed account of astrocyte's morphology and physiology, examining thoroughly all the astrocyte's types; giving an accurate description of their morphology, location, function in the brain; and illustrating their physiology and pathology in terms of dealing with neurons through "gliotransmitters," ionic channels, and membrane receptors expression. This book gives an overview of the crucial role of astrocytes in the physiology of the CNS and in the pathogenesis of several CNS disorders suggesting that the shift from a neurocentric view to one that incorporates astrocytes in disease models for drug discovery is a critical step in renewing drug development strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Astrocytes were the original neuroglia that Ramón y Cajal visualized in 1913 using a gold sublimate stain. This stain targeted intermediate filaments that we now know consist mainly of glial fibrillary acidic protein, a protein used today as an astrocytic marker. Cajal described the morphological diversity of these cells with some ast- cytes surrounding neurons, while the others are intimately associated with vasculature. We start the book by discussing the heterogeneity of astrocytes using contemporary tools and by calling into question the assumption by classical neuroscience that neurons and glia are derived from distinct pools of progenitor cells. Astrocytes have long been neglected as active participants in intercellular communication and information processing in the central nervous system, in part due to their lack of electrical excitability. The follow up chapters review the “nuts and bolts” of ast- cytic physiology; astrocytes possess a diverse assortment of ion channels, neu- transmitter receptors, and transport mechanisms that enable the astrocytes to respond to many of the same signals that act on neurons. Since astrocytes can detect chemical transmitters that are released from neurons and can release their own extracellular signals there is an increasing awareness that they play physiological roles in regulating neuronal activity and synaptic transmission. In addition to these physiological roles, it is becoming increasingly recognized that astrocytes play critical roles during pathophysiological states of the nervous system; these states include gliomas, Alexander disease, and epilepsy to mention a few.

Interest in the functional roles of astrocytes in the nervous system has grown significantly as it is recognized that these cells not only have their own pharmacology but also release neuro- and vaso-active factors. This book relates astrocyte pharmacology to cell function for the first time, making it an attractive text across the neuroscience community. Discusses the pharmacological regulation of specific astrocyte functions Covers functional interactions between these and adjacent CNS cell types Examines regional heterogeneity of astrocytes with respect to receptor expression Compares in vitro and in vivo approaches