Neurodegenerative diseases

BARRETO G; GONZALEZ JANETH; CAPANI F; MORALES L

Role of astrocytes In neurodegenerative diseases

InTech

Año: 2011;

Astrocytes play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration associated neuronal death and that secondary injury is primarily a consequence of the failure of astrocytes to support the essential metabolic needs of neurons. These include K+ buffering, glutamate clearance, brain antioxidant defense, close metabolic coupling with neurons, and modulation of neuronal excitability. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations of astrocytic functions are associated with development of neurodegenerative diseases, likely suggesting that diminished astrocytes function throughout the neurodegenerative process is a prominent determinant of both neuronal survival as well as survival of the entire organism. Here we review recent findings regarding the role of astrocytes in the biology of the brain in physiological conditions, as well as their response following the onset of neurodegenerative disorders