General Pathophysiology of Astroglia

Alexei Verkhratsky*, Margaret S. Ho, Nina Vardjan, Robert Zorec, Vladimir Parpura

*Corresponding author for this work
    15 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Astroglial cells are involved in most if not in all pathologies of the brain. These cells can change the morpho-functional properties in response to pathology or innate changes of these cells can lead to pathologies. Overall pathological changes in astroglia are complex and diverse and often vary with different disease stages. We classify astrogliopathologies into reactive astrogliosis, astrodegeneration with astroglial atrophy and loss of function, and pathological remodelling of astrocytes. Such changes can occur in neurological, neurodevelopmental, metabolic and psychiatric disorders as well as in infection and toxic insults. Mutation in astrocyte-specific genes leads to specific pathologies, such as Alexander disease, which is a leukodystrophy. We discuss changes in astroglia in the pathological context and identify some molecular entities underlying pathology. These entities within astroglia may repent targets for novel therapeutic intervention in the management of brain pathologies.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationNeuroglia in Neurodegenerative Diseases
    EditorsAlexei Verkhratsky, Margaret S. Ho, Robert Zorec, Vladimir Parpura
    Number of pages31
    PublisherSpringer
    Publication date2019
    Pages149-179
    Chapter7
    ISBN (Print)978-981-13-9912-1
    ISBN (Electronic)978-981-13-9913-8
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2019
    SeriesAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
    Volume1175
    ISSN0065-2598

    Keywords

    • Alexander disease
    • Astrocyte
    • Autistic spectrum disorders
    • Epilepsy
    • Hepatic encephalopathy
    • Infectious diseases
    • Metabolic diseases
    • Neuropathology
    • Neurotrauma
    • Psychiatric diseases
    • Sepsis-associated encephalopathy
    • Stroke
    • Systemic inflammation
    • Toxic encephalopathy

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