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Related Concept Videos

Aquaporins01:25

Aquaporins

Aquaporins or AQPs are a family of integral membrane proteins whose primary function is to transport water, while some called aquaglyceroporins also transport glycerol. In addition, aquaporins have also been suspected to be involved in transporting volatile substances, such as carbon dioxide and ammonia, across membranes. Such AQPs that act as gas channels are often highly expressed in cells involved in the gaseous exchange, such as red blood cells, epithelial cells, and pulmonary capillaries.
Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview
The Blood-brain Barrier00:49

The Blood-brain Barrier

Overview
Transcellular Transport of Solutes01:23

Transcellular Transport of Solutes

Transcellular transport of solutes is the movement of substances like monosaccharides and amino acids through polarized cells. This transport mechanism is primarily seen in epithelial and endothelial cells aided by membrane transport proteins such as channels and transporters. The tight junctions between these cells confine the membrane proteins to the two sides of the cell. The epithelial cells have distinct apical and basolateral domains. In contrast, the endothelial cells show the luminal...
Ion Channels01:19

Ion Channels

The movement of ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium into and out of the cell is essential to maintain the electrochemical gradient in living cells. The ion channels—a class of membrane transport proteins—help maintain this ionic gradient for the smooth functioning of physiological activities such as maintaining cell size and volume, conducting nerve impulses, and gas and nutrient exchange.
Ion channels are specialized integral membrane proteins on the plasma membrane that allow specific...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Tracking Single Proteins in Lipid Bilayers Using Fluorescence Microscopy
08:39

Tracking Single Proteins in Lipid Bilayers Using Fluorescence Microscopy

Published on: December 12, 2025

Aquaporins and glia.

Roberta Albertini1, Rossella Bianchi

  • 1Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Brescia, V.le Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy. roberta_albertini@alice.it

Current Neuropharmacology
|December 2, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Aquaporins (AQPs) are crucial for glial cell function in the nervous system. This review details AQP localization and their roles in both normal brain function and diseases like epilepsy.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Glial cells are essential for neuronal function, regulating metabolism, excitability, and synaptic transmission.
  • Ion concentration regulation is critical for nervous system function, involving complex cellular pathways.
  • Aquaporins (AQPs) are increasingly recognized for their role in these homeostatic mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the localization of various Aquaporin (AQP) isoforms within glial cells.
  • To explore the involvement of AQPs in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • To highlight the role of AQPs in physiological conditions and neurological disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on Aquaporins and glial cells.
Keywords:
Aquaporinsglial cells.

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  • Analysis of studies detailing AQP expression patterns in different glial cell types.
  • Examination of evidence linking AQP function to neurological conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • AQPs are found in various glial cells, including astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, throughout the nervous system.
    • Specific AQP isoforms show distinct localization patterns relevant to water and ion transport.
    • AQP dysregulation is implicated in pathophysiological states such as brain edema, glioma, and epilepsy.

    Conclusions:

    • Aquaporins play a significant role in glial cell function and nervous system homeostasis.
    • Understanding AQP localization and function is key to addressing neurological diseases.
    • Targeting AQPs may offer therapeutic strategies for conditions involving glial cell dysfunction.