Alterations in metabolism and gap junction expression may determine the role of astrocytes as "good samaritans" or executioners.
Our knowledge of astroglia and their physiological and pathophysiological role(s) in the central nervous system (CNS) has grown during the past decade, revealing a complex picture. It is becoming increasingly clear that glia play a significant role in the homeostasis and function of the CNS and that neurons should no longer be considered the only cell type that responds, both rapidly and slowly, to electrochemical activity. We discuss recent advances in the field with an emphasis on the impact of hypoxia and ischemia on astrocytic metabolism and the functional relationship between glucose metabolism and gap junctions in astrocytes. We also address the controversy over whether astrocytic gap junctions mediate protection or killing of neurons during or after hypoxic or ischemic insults.
Farahani
Reza
R
Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
Pina-Benabou
Mara H
MH
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.
Kyrozis
Andreas
A
Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
Siddiq
Ayesha
A
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.
Barradas
Penha C
PC
Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Chiu
Fung-Chow
FC
Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia.
Cavalcante
Leny A
LA
Instituto de Biofisica C. Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Lai
James C K
JCK
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho.
Stanton
Patric K
PK
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.|Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.
Rozental
Renato
R
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.|Department of Obstetrics and Anesthesiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.
D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000235:genetics; D017630:Connexins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology
D017630:Connexins