Astrocytes Pt 2: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology of Astrocytes

Astrocytes: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology of Astrocytes, Volume 2 focuses on the physiological and pharmacological aspects of astrocytes. This volume gives specific attention to intracellular metabolic activity; membrane components and functions; responses to neurotransmitters and other intrinsic factors; and neuronal-glial interactions. Studies in this text establishe the astrocyte as an essential neuronal partner in the neuronal-glial interrelationship throughout the life-span of the neuron and also further explain the potential roles of astrocytes in brain function. Cell physiologists, neurophysiologists, neuropharmacologists, pediatric neurologists, and gerontologists will find the book interesting.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Preface Electrophysiological Properties of Astrocytes I. Introduction II. Biophysical Properties III. Neuropharmacological Responses IV. Electrogenesis of Slow Extracellular Potentials V. Function of Astrocytes in Regulating the Brain Microenvironment VI. Conclusions References Ionic Channels in Glial Cells I. General Introduction II. Na + Channels III. Other Channels IV. Concluding Remarks Addendum References Astroglia Cells in Culture: Receptors and Cyclic Nucleotides I. Introduction II. Characterization of Cell Types III. Regulation of Cyclic AMP Levels IV. Regulation of Cyclic GMP Levels V. Conclusion References Catecholamine and Serotonin Uptake in Astrocytes I. Introduction II. Uptake Systems for Neurotransmitter Monoamines III. Localization of Catecholamine and Serotonin Uptake in Brain IV. Uptake into Astrocytes in Vitro V. Conclusions References Amino Acid Uptake I. Introduction II. Autoradiographic Localization of the Uptake of Amino Acid Transmitters by Astrocytes and Satellite Glial Cells III. Autoradiographic Localization of the Uptake of Amino Acid Transmitters by Other Types of Nonneuronal Cells IV. Kinetic Characterization of Transport Processes for Amino Acids in Astrocytes V. Concluding Remarks References The Supply of Choline to Glial Cells I. Introduction II. The Passage of Choline across the Blood-Brain Barrier III. Uptake of Choline into Glial Cells IV. Production of Choline V. De Novo Synthesis of Choline VI. Conclusions References Role of Astrocytes in Compartmentation of Amino Acid and Energy Metabolism I. Introduction II. Metabolic Compartmentation in Brain Tissue III. Transport of Glutamate and Related Amino Acids IV. Activities of Enzymes Involved in Interconversions between Glutamate and Related Amino Acids V. Metabolic Fluxes of Glutamate and Related Amino Acids or Other Substrates VI. Ammonia Turnover VII. Concluding Remarks References Enzyme Induction and Regulation of Protein Synthesis I. Regulation of Cellular and Extracellular Astroglial Proteins II. Glutamine Synthetase III. Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein IV. Carbonic Anhydrase V. S-100 Protein VI. Future Directions References Distribution and Regulation of Hydrogen Ions in Astrocytes I. Introduction II. Measurement of Intracellular pH III. Glial Cell Cultures IV. Intracellular pH of Cultured Glial Cells V. Summary References Astrocytic Lipids and their Metabolism I. Lipid Composition II. Lipid Metabolism References Nutritional Requirements of Cultured Astroglial Cells I. Introduction II. Growth of Astroglial Cells in Serum-Containing Media III. Growth of Astroglial Cells in Serum-Free Chemically Defined Media IV. Growth Factors Affecting Astroglial Cells in Culture V. Conclusions References Neuronal-Glial Interactions I. Effects of Glia on Neurons II. Effects of Neurons on Glia III. Summary and Conclusions References Astroglial Cell Contributions to Neuronal Survival and Neuritic Growth I. Introduction and Hypothesis II. In Vitro Evidence of Neuronal Regulation by Astroglial (and Other) Molecules III. In Vivo Studies Implicating Neuronal Regulation by Astroglial Cells IV. In Vivo-in Vitro Combined Strategies V. Conclusions and Projections References Changes in Astrocytes with Aging I. Introduction II. Astrocyte Population III. Biochemical Changes IV. Microenvironment V. Synapse Function VI. Pathological Reactions in Astrocytes References Index