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Glial Cells

Glial Cells

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons

Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons

Published on: July 26, 2024

A cytokine-dependent switch for glial-neuron interactions.

So-Young Lee¹, Philip G Haydon

¹Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.

|March 9, 2011

Summary

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) triggers a unique glial transmitter release. This release bypasses reuptake, directly influencing neuronal NMDA receptors and synaptic activity.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Astrocyte biology
Synaptic plasticity

Background:

The precise conditions governing astrocyte-mediated synaptic modulation remain unclear.
Glial cells, particularly astrocytes, can release neurotransmitters, but their functional impact is debated.

Discussion:

This study reveals that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) induces a specific 'burst mode' of glial transmitter release.
This TNFα-driven release mechanism circumvents typical reuptake pathways.
The released transmitters gain access to postsynaptic neuronal NMDA receptors.

Key Insights:

TNFα acts as a critical regulator of glial transmitter release.
Astrocyte-derived transmitters can directly modulate neuronal excitability via NMDA receptors.

More Related Videos

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Published on: June 4, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons

Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons

Published on: July 26, 2024

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Published on: June 4, 2020

This mechanism offers a novel pathway for glial control over synaptic function.

Outlook:

Further research can explore therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway for neurological disorders.
Investigating the spatial and temporal dynamics of this release is crucial.
Understanding the interplay between glial transmitters and NMDA receptor function is key.