Astrocytic beta(2)-adrenergic receptors: from physiology to pathology.
Evidence accumulates for a key role of the beta(2)-adrenergic receptors in the many homeostatic and neuroprotective functions of astrocytes, including glycogen metabolism, regulation of immune responses, release of neurotrophic factors, and the astrogliosis that occurs in response to neuronal injury. A dysregulation of the astrocytic beta(2)-adrenergic-pathway is suspected to contribute to the physiopathology of a number of prevalent and devastating neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, human immunodeficiency virus encephalitis, stroke and hepatic encephalopathy. In this review we focus on the physiological functions of astrocytic beta(2)-adrenergic receptors, and their possible impact in disease states.
Laureys
Guy
G
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Clinckers
Ralph
R
Gerlo
Sarah
S
Spooren
Anneleen
A
Wilczak
Nadine
N
Kooijman
Ron
R
Smolders
Ilse
I
Michotte
Yvette
Y
De Keyser
Jacques
J
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2