Glial Biology

Question 1

macroglia

Answer 1

oligodendrocytes
astrocytes
ependymal cells
choroid plexus
radial glia

all from neuroectoderm

Question 2

microglia

Answer 2

monocyte/macrophage

from mesoderm

Question 3

schwann cell

Answer 3

in PNS

from neural crest cells

Question 4

astrocytes

Answer 4

star shaped

structural support/scaffolding during development

send processes to outer surface of brain, directly under pia mater

send processes to ventricle, directly under ependymal cells

encase blood vessels

encase synapses

important for regulating the local environment around neurons, clearing excess NT, providing neurotophic factors, ECM, lactate to neurons

Question 5

calcium wave

Answer 5

a non AP wave of Ca that travels along astrocyte processes and may represent communication

Question 6

glioma

Answer 6

cancer of glial cells

feared b/c almost impossible to remove and does little for survival

Question 7

oligodendrocytes

Answer 7

processes form myelin sheath in CNS

one oligodendrocyte= myelinates many cells

Question 8

ependymal cells

Answer 8

single layer on ventricle and central canal of spinal cord

ciliated

do not form a true barrier between spinal fluid and brain

Question 9

microglia

Answer 9

small, important for immune surveillence

not normally phagocytotic, unless activated to engulf apoptotic cells and other debris

Question 10

many neurodegen diseases have inflammation. what are the therapeutic options?

Answer 10

steroids
NSAIDs
Abs- minacycline
cannabinoids
vaccines- beta amyloid
cytokine modulatory drugs