Recent advances in (patho)physiology of astroglia.

[alexander disease]

Our view of astrocytes in the operation of the brain is changing dramatically over the last 3 decades . Astroglial calcium excitability controls the release of gliotransmitters , which can occur at the tripartite synapse . Astrocytes not only modulate synaptic transmission by releasing and taking up transmitters , but also receiving neuronal signals that act upon astrocytic plasma membrane receptors . This process represents the bidirectional neurone-glia communication . Additionally , astrocytes play role in the regulation of blood flow as well as ion and water homeostasis . Many of the brain dysfunctions are primary astropathies , including hepatic encephalopathy and Alexander disease , while other brain malfunctions , such as epilepsy and Alzheimer disease , may have substantial astrocytic contribution . Thus , these star-shaped cells by their roles in (patho )physiology of the brain seem to live up to the expectation one can have from their given name - astrocyte .