Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis
and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in …

Through a widespread efferent projection system, the locus coeruleus–noradrenergic
system supplies norepinephrine throughout the central nervous system. Initial studies …

Dynamic aspects of interactions between astrocytes, neurons and the vasculature have
recently been in the neuroscience spotlight. It has emerged that not only neurons but also …

Retinal ischemia is a common cause of visual impairment and blindness. At the cellular
level, ischemic retinal injury consists of a self-reinforcing destructive cascade involving …

Glial cells are emerging from the background to become more prominent in our thinking
about integration in the nervous system. Given that glial cells associated with synapses …

Certain neurons in the mammalian brain have long been known to be joined by gap
junctions, which are the most common type of electrical synapse. More recently, cloning of …

Although opioids are highly effective for the treatment of pain, they are also known to be
intensely addictive. There has been a massive research investment in the development of …

Recent studies have revealed synaptic dysfunction to be a hallmark of various psychiatric
diseases, and that glial cells participate in synapse formation, development, and plasticity …

Several lines of evidence indicate that the elaborated calcium signals and the occurrence of
calcium waves in astrocytes provide these cells with a specific form of excitability. The …

Gap junctions are channel-forming structures in contacting plasma membranes that allow
direct metabolic and electrical communication between almost all cell types in the …