Abstract
Beyond their long-recognized support functions, astrocytes are active partners of neurons in
processing information, synaptic integration, and production of trophic factors, just to name a
few. Both microglia and astrocytes produce and secrete a number of cytokines, modulating and
integrating the communication between hematogenous cells and resident cells of the central
nervous system (CNS). This review will address (1) the functions of astrocytes in the normal
brain and (2) their role in surveying noxious stimuli within the brain, with particular emphasis
on astrocytic responses to damage or disease, a process referred to as reactive astrogliosis/
astrocytosis. In addition, the review will discuss (3) the role of astrocytes as an abundant cellular
source for immunoregulatory (cytokines) factors, and their fundamental roles in the type and
extent of CNS immune and inflammatory responses. (4) Recent experimental evidence on the
role of astroglia in the etiology of neurological diseases will be highlighted, along with (5) the
role of oxidative stressors generated within astrocytes in this process.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Book series | NeuroImmune Biology |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages (from-to) | 275-287 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| ISSN | 1567-7443 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |