Glia Flashcards
What are 3 unique features about glia (as opposed to neurons)?
- No axons
- Can divide
- Inexcitable
What make up the majority of cells in the brain?
Glia
What are the 2 main classifications of Glia?
Macroglia and Microglia
What are the 4 main types of Macroglia?
- Astrocytes
- Oligodendrocytes
- Schwann Cells
- Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells
Astrocytes are processes that cover _____ and surround _____
neurons; synapses
The end feet of astrocytes terminate on _____ (pial surface) and extend all the way to the ends of _____
blood vessels; synapses
Oligodendrocytes are the the ____ as Schwann Cells are to the _____
central nervous system; peripheral nervous system
What forms CNS myelin?
Oligodendrocytes
What forms PNS myelin?
Schwann Cells
Microglia are derived from blood _____, which are macrophages of the brain.
monocytes
What is the origin of microglia?
the mesoderm
What is the main glial function of astrocytes?
Uptake of Neurotransmitters
Describe the glutamate uptake of astrocytes. What is the purpose of this uptake?
- Glutamate: high affinity Na+ - dependent uptake
- GlutaMINE synthetase (glutaMATE+NH4 –> glutaMINE)
- Recycled to neurons (glutaMATE-glutaMINE cycle)
Purpose: to prevent excitotoxicity
Describe the GABA uptake of astrocytes
- High affinity NA+ - dependent uptake
- GABA transaminase
- GABA –> Krebs Cycle –> GlutaMATE –> GlutaMINE
Radial glia are stem cells for neuronal ______ cells
progenitor
Guidance of neuronal migration is when neurons move along what?
radial glial cell processes
Glial ______ factors influence neuronal development
neurotrophic
GDNF stands for what?
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor
What does GDNF do?
provides trophic support for dopamine neurons
Astrocytes release what to promote synapse formation?
thombospondins
Microglia prune excess what (even in the adult brain)? When does this occur?
synapses; during sleep
Astrocyte end-feet surround blood vessels. Developing vessels grow along what?
glial processes
Astrocytes release what growth factor?
VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor
What type of junction is formed in the blood brain barrier?
tight junctions
Astrocytes play a role in regulating ________ and help to regulate it in the brain by producing what kind of factors?
blood flow; vasoconstricting/vasodilating
Microglia are resident ____ of the brain and are considered the interface between which body system and the brain?
macrophages; immune