Neuron and Glia Part II Flashcards
What is leukodystrophy?
rare, genetic disorders that are characterized by abnormal growth of white matter in the brain.
what is Krabbe disease?
rare, inherited condition that affects the myelin that covers and protects your nerve cells, causing neurological issues. resulting from a deficiency of the enzyme GALC.
what are atrocytes
specialised glial cells that outnumber neurons by over fivefold. usually green in colour
what does actrosytes do?
interact with oligodendrocytes to support the axon and regulate the process of myelination
what is Alexander disease?
A type of leukodystrophy characterised by abnormal protein deposits called Rosenthal fibres.
Caused by dominant gain-of-function mutations in the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, expressed in astrocytes
what are symptoms of Alexander disease?
an enlarged brain and head,
seizures,
stiffness in the arms and /or legs,
learning difficulties,
delayed physical development
what is the fuction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
carries nutrients and helps clear waste products in the brain and spinal cord
what is ependymal cell and its function?
spendymal cell line CFS-filled ventricles of the brain and spinal cord. it provides a physical barrier brtween CSF and the brain.
what is Choroid Plexus?
the source of CSF, formed by specialised ependymal cells
what is hydrocephalus?
(water in the brain) can be caused by choroid plexus tumour or dysfunction on cilia motility (rare)
what is microgila?
primary defender of the brain/CNS, first cell to respond to injury or infection and promotes tissue repair in brain
causes of dysfunctional microglia
○ disrupt normal brain homeostasis,
○ they are neurotoxic and cause neurodegeneration
○ common variants in microglial expressed genes are linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s
