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Related Experiment Videos

Macromolecular translocation--a possible function of astrocytes.

B H Juurlink1, R M Devon

  • 1Department of Anatomy, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.

Brain Research
|November 12, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Astrocytes facilitate macromolecule transport across their processes via receptor-mediated endocytosis and exocytosis. This study reveals a potential role for astrocytes in transferring molecules between cells in the central nervous system (CNS).

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, form a complex network within the central nervous system (CNS).
  • The extracellular space in the CNS is characterized by narrow, tortuous channels created by astrocyte processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the translocation of macromolecules across astrocytic processes.
  • To determine if astrocytes play a role in intercellular transport of molecules.

Main Methods:

  • Dense astrocytic cultures with multilamellar geometry were utilized.
  • Colloidal gold-labeled transferrin and serum albumin were applied to astrocytic cell membranes.
  • Receptor-mediated endocytosis, translocation, and exocytosis were observed using electron microscopy at 4°C and 37°C.

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Main Results:

  • Gold-labeled macromolecules underwent receptor-mediated endocytosis, translocation, and exocytosis.
  • Macromolecules moved from apical to basal astrocyte processes.
  • Colloidal gold accumulated in secondary lysosomes of basal astrocyte processes after 1 hour.

Conclusions:

  • Astrocytes facilitate the transport of macromolecules across their cellular processes.
  • This transport mechanism suggests a function for astrocytes in transferring molecules between cells within the CNS.