More indications: Hepatic encephalopathy; Hyperammonemia
we all know about: PD, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and ischemia.
Role of Astrocytes in Brain Function and Disease
Marta Sidoryk-Wegrzynowicz1
Michal Wegrzynowicz2,3
Eunsook Lee4
Aaron B. Bowman2,3
Michael Aschner1,3,4
1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
2Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
3Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
4Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
Michael Aschner, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, 2215-B Garland Avenue 11415 MRB IV, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-0414, USA; phone: 615-322-8024; fax: 615-936-4080; e-mail: michael.aschner@vanderbilt.edu
Abstract
Astrocytes assume multiple roles in maintaining an optimally suited milieu for neuronal function. Select astrocytic functions include the maintenance of redox potential, the production of trophic factors, the regulation of neurotransmitter and ion concentrations, and the removal of toxins and debris from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Impairments in these and other functions, as well as physiological reactions of astrocytes to injury, can trigger or exacerbate neuronal dysfunction. This review addresses select metabolic interactions between neurons and astrocytes and emphasizes the role of astrocytes in mediating and amplifying the progression of several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), hepatic encephalopathy (HE), hyperammonemia (HA), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and ischemia.
