What are astrocytic processes?

Astrocytes are a sub-type of glial cells in the central nervous system. They are also known as astrocytic glial cells. Star-shaped, their many processes envelop synapses made by neurons. In humans, a single astrocyte cell can interact with up to 2 million synapses at a time.

What do astroglial cells do?

They have a regulatory role of brain functions that are implicated in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, controlling blood–brain barrier permeability and maintaining extracellular homeostasis. Mature astrocytes also express some genes enriched in cell progenitors, suggesting they can retain proliferative potential.

How does an astrocyte work?

Astrocytes outnumber neurons in the human brain, and they play a key role in numerous functions within the central nervous system (CNS), including glutamate, ion (i.e., Ca2+, K+) and water homeostasis, defense against oxidative/nitrosative stress, energy storage, mitochondria biogenesis, scar formation, tissue repair …

Where are astrocytic processes located in the brain?

Astrocytic processes are intertwined with neurons, axons, and myelin; they cover dendrites and synapses; they surround brain capillaries; interdigitating astrocytic processes form a thick layer on the surface of the CNS, the glia limitans .

Why are astrocytes important to the CNS?

Through their extensive contacts and interactions with neurons and vessels astrocytes play a very important role in the function of the CNS in addition to providing structural support. They take up K+ that is released during neuronal activity thus maintaining ion balance in the extracellular fluid.

How are astrocytes able to compensate for microglia?

Astrocytes possess phagocytic machinery and have the potential to compensate for microglia with dysfunctional phagocytic activity. Even in a healthy central nervous system, astrocytes possess phagocytic machinery, such as phagocytic receptors, Axl and Mertk.

What kind of treatment do you get for astrocytoma?

Astrocytoma treatments include: Surgery to remove the astrocytoma. Radiation therapy. Chemotherapy. Clinical trials. Supportive (palliative) care.