Water Channels
Chapter 8 Water Channels Abstract Alterations in distinct astrocyte membrane channels, receptors, and transporters have all been associated with the epileptic state. This chapter focuses on the potential roles of…
Astrocytes in the Mammalian Brain
Chapter 2 Astrocytes in the Mammalian Brain Abstract In this chapter, we provide a more modern overview of the concept of astrocytes. We summarize the classification of neuroglia, explore astrocyte…
Astrocyte Calcium Signaling
Chapter 6 Astrocyte Calcium Signaling Abstract Several lines of evidence have pointed toward calcium-dependent exocytosis as a common mechanism of gliotransmitter release from astrocytes. Initial studies found increased intracellular calcium…
Inflammation
Chapter 13 Inflammation Abstract The immune response is a complicated system composed of physical barriers, distinct cell types, and inflammatory molecules that serve to protect the brain from foreign pathogens…
Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption
Chapter 12 Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption Abstract The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic system that separates the peripheral blood from the neural tissue. It is composed of endothelial cells connected…
Gliotransmitters
Chapter 3 Gliotransmitters Abstract Glial cells were classically thought of passive “glue” that held neurons together. This view was challenged, however, with the use of new techniques, most notably patch-clamp…
Gap Junctions
Chapter 11 Gap Junctions Abstract Electrotonic coupling between cells is accomplished through the formation of gap junctions (GJs) between cells. Composed of connexin proteins, GJs are found on multiple cell…
Therapeutic Targets and Future Directions
Chapter 14 Therapeutic Targets and Future Directions Abstract As astrocytes are the elements of the nervous system responsible for homeostatic function, and disease represents loss of homeostasis, therapeutic targets for…
