title: Homeostatic function of astrocytes: Ca(2+) and Na(+) signalling.
abstract: The name astroglia unifies many non-excitable neural cells that act as primary homeostatic cells in the nervous system. Neuronal activity triggers multiple homeostatic responses of astroglia that include increase in metabolic activity and synthesis of neuronal preferred energy substrate lactate, clearance of neurotransmitters and buffering of extracellular K(+) ions to name but a few. Many (if not all) of astroglial homeostatic responses are controlled by dynamic changes in the cytoplasmic concentration of two cations, Ca(2+) and Na(+). Intracellular concentration of these ions is tightly controlled by several transporters and can be rapidly affected by the activation of respective fluxes through ionic channels or ion exchangers. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of astroglial Ca(2+) and Na(+) signalling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine, Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, Civitan International Research Center, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States of America ; Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia ; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain; and Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940, Leioa, Spain.
authors.forename: Vladimir
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Parpura
authors.forename: Alexei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verkhratsky