TY - JOUR
T1 - Do Evolutionary Changes in Astrocytes Contribute to the Computational Power of the Hominid Brain?
AU - Oberheim Bush, Nancy Ann
AU - Nedergaard, Maiken
PY - 2017/9/1
Y1 - 2017/9/1
N2 - It is now well accepted that astrocytes are essential in all major nervous system functions of the rodent brain, including neurotransmission, energy metabolism, modulation of blood flow, ion and water homeostasis, and, indeed, higher cognitive functions, although the contribution of astrocytes in cognition is still in early stages of study. Here we review the most current research findings on human astrocytes, including their structure, molecular characterization, and functional properties. We also highlight novel tools that have been established for translational approaches to the comparative study of astrocytes from humans and experimental animals. Understanding the differences in astrocytes is essential to elucidate the contribution of astrocytes to normal physiology, cognitive processing and diverse pathologies of the central nervous system.
AB - It is now well accepted that astrocytes are essential in all major nervous system functions of the rodent brain, including neurotransmission, energy metabolism, modulation of blood flow, ion and water homeostasis, and, indeed, higher cognitive functions, although the contribution of astrocytes in cognition is still in early stages of study. Here we review the most current research findings on human astrocytes, including their structure, molecular characterization, and functional properties. We also highlight novel tools that have been established for translational approaches to the comparative study of astrocytes from humans and experimental animals. Understanding the differences in astrocytes is essential to elucidate the contribution of astrocytes to normal physiology, cognitive processing and diverse pathologies of the central nervous system.
KW - Journal Article
U2 - 10.1007/s11064-017-2363-0
DO - 10.1007/s11064-017-2363-0
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 28822066
SN - 0364-3190
VL - 42
SP - 2577
EP - 2587
JO - Neurochemical Research
JF - Neurochemical Research
IS - 9
ER -