Interactions between pesticides and glia: an unexplored experimental field

It is now well established that the role of astrocytes extends well beyond passive cytoskeletal structural support to neurons. In fact, astrocytes and neurons establish a highly dynamic reciprocal relationship that influences the growth, morphology, behavior, and central nervous system (CNS) repair. It is also well established that acute exposure to the organophosphorous insecticides leads to inhibition of neuronal acetylcholinesterase activity, an enzyme responsible for the inactivation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Although astrocytes are known to express transport systems for choline, as well as acetylcholinesterase activity, little information is available on the potential interactions between the anticholinesterase class organophosphorous insecticides and these cells. This review will focus on astrocytic cholinergic receptors, choline uptake and metabolism, and address the potential importance of astrocytes in organophosphorous insecticide mediated neurotoxicity.