Astrocytes

This is a second edition of a book that provides an overview of the most current findings on the diverse roles played by astrocyte in CNS function and dysfunction with emphasis on its cellular connections. Astrocytes are highly elaborated cells and likely the only neural cells that simultaneously establish associations with different cellular types. The fine processes of astrocytes are found nearby practically all cellular types in the central nervous system (CNS), including astrocytes themselves, neurons, oligodendrocytes, and brain endothelial cells. Such close morphological associations, together with the fact that astrocytes express a multitude of ion channels, transporters and membrane receptors, endows these cells with the unique capability to sense and influence diverse CNS functions. Disruption of these elaborated connections and altered astrocyte polarization are implicated in numerous pathological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, leukodystrophies, Alzheimer and Autism, and also certain psychiatric disorders, major depression and schizophrenia.