In the central nervous system, astrocytes are a subtype of glial cells. Astrocytic glial cells is another name for them. Their several systems, which are star-shaped, surround synapses formed by neurons. A single astrocyte cell in a person can interact with up to 2 million synapses at once. Astrocytes are brain cells that have the form of a star. Synapses are present in astrocytes, just as they are in other neuronal cells. Through the release of glutathione precursors to neurons, astrocytes can generate a powerful antioxidant response to defend themselves and neurons. Astrocytes' role in scar formation helps them to regulate neuroinflammation by controlling and containing immune responses.

Functions

Interactions between astrocytes and neurons in terms of metabolism

Astrocytes are believed to perform a variety of active functions, including the secretion or absorption of neuronal transmitters and the maintenance of the blood–brain barrier. They also help form the physical structure of the brain. A tripartite synapse has been suggested, referring to the close relationship that exists at synapses between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

Astrocytes have been identified as central players in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders. According to this viewpoint, astrocyte dysfunction can lead to improper neural circuitry, which can cause mental conditions like autism and schizophrenia.

Chronic pain

Normal pain transmission starts with a noxious signal, which is accompanied by an action potential carried by nociceptive (pain sensing) afferent neurons, which induce excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The message is then sent to the cerebral cortex, where the EPSPs are converted into "pain

Two states of persistent pain

Several factors are released from the damaged tissue as well as the spinal dorsal horn after repeated peripheral tissue injury. These factors increase the dorsal horn pain-projection neurons' responsiveness to subsequent stimuli, a process known as "spinal sensitization," amplifying the pain impulse to the brain. Glutamate, substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGR) are all released.

Other pathologies

Astrogliosis and astrocytopathy are two other clinically important astrocyte pathologies. Multiple sclerosis, anti-AQP4+ neuromyelitis optica, Rasmussen's encephalitis, Alexander syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are only a few examples. Astrocytes have been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, according to research.

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