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 …

The large Trp gene family encodes transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins that form
novel cation-selective ion channels. In mammals, 28 Trp channel genes have been …

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) generally consists of endothelial tight junction barriers that
prevent the free entry of blood-derived substances, thereby maintaining the extracellular …

In humans, the TRP superfamily of cation channels includes 27 related molecules that
respond to a remarkable variety of chemical and physical stimuli. While physiological roles …

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channel (TRPV1), as a ligand-gated non-
selective cation channel, has recently been demonstrated to have wide expression in the …

Microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain, survey the environment of the healthy
brain. Microglial migration is essential for many physiological and pathophysiological …

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a critical role in maintaining ion and fluid homeostasis,
essential for brain metabolism and neuronal function. Regulation of nutrient, water, and ion …

The circumventricular organs (CVOs) are located around the brain ventricles, lack a blood-
brain barrier (BBB) and sense blood-derived molecules. This review discusses recent …

A dramatic late-gestation increase in fetal plasma cortisol concentrations is critical for the
timing of parturition in the sheep. This increase appears to depend upon an intact …

Astroglial excitability is based on highly spatio-temporally coordinated fluctuations of
intracellular ion concentrations, among which changes in Ca 2+ and Na+ take the leading …