The astrocytic syncytium

摘要: Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the evidence that gap junctions between astrocytes provide a pathway for direct intercellular exchange of ions, nutrients, and signaling molecules. It discusses this may be part machinery responsible delivery nutrients to neurons, ridding extracellular space excess K + glutamate, spreading waves Ca 2+ , exchanging cell death signals. Although network is not truly syncytial, as it consists entirely discrete cellular elements, interconnections extend functions, such enlarging buffer volume dilution toxins, well integrating cells with different classes nonjunctional proteins into functional units. The also reviews new study carefully defining surfaces interactions individual indicates each has its own private volume, where communication limited outermost fringes surrounding autocellular space. Within space, hundreds oligodendrocytes intermingle fine astrocyte processes tens thousands synapses are surrounded by single astrocyte.