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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions
Published on: June 4, 2020
Neuroglia in neurodegeneration
Michael T Heneka1, José J Rodríguez, Alexei Verkhratsky
1Klinische Neurowissenschaften, Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, 53127 Bonn, Germany. michael.heneka@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Brain Research Reviews
|December 1, 2009
Summary
Neuroglial cells are crucial for brain health and defense. Neuropathology, including neurodegenerative diseases, involves glial cells, suggesting they drive disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Neuroglial cells maintain brain homeostasis and act as the brain's intrinsic defense system.
- All neuropathological conditions involve glial cells.
- Neurodegenerative diseases disrupt neural circuit connectivity and glial cell interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the central role of glial cells in neuropathology.
- To reframe neurodegenerative diseases as primarily gliodegenerative processes.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of current knowledge on neuroglial cell function in neuropathology.
- Analysis of glial reactions such as astrogliosis and microglial activation in neurodegeneration.
Main Results:
- Neurodegenerative diseases disrupt neuronal and glial connections.
- Astrogliosis and microglial activation are conserved glial responses in neurodegeneration.
- Glial cells are increasingly recognized as key players in disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Neurodegenerative diseases can be viewed as gliodegenerative processes.
- Glial cells significantly influence the progression and outcome of neuropathological conditions.
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