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Related Concept Videos

Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview
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...
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue01:15

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
Neuronal Communication01:28

Neuronal Communication

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
Neuron Structure01:30

Neuron Structure

Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
Integration of Synaptic Events01:28

Integration of Synaptic Events

Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...

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Updated: May 11, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
10:10

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

Astroglial networking contributes to neurometabolic coupling.

Carole Escartin1, Nathalie Rouach

  • 1CEA DSV I2BM MIRCen and CNRS URA2210, Fontenay-aux-Roses Paris, France.

Frontiers in Neuroenergetics
|May 3, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Astrocytes supply energy to neurons via activity-dependent mechanisms. Recent research highlights the role of astrocyte networks, connected by gap junctions (GJs), in regulating neuronal metabolism and function.

Keywords:
astrocytesastroglial networksenergy metabolismepilepsygap junctionsneurodegenerative diseasesneuroglial interactionsneurometabolic coupling

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Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes
11:25

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes

Published on: January 19, 2013

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
10:10

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes
11:25

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes

Published on: January 19, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Biology
  • Metabolic Pathways

Background:

  • Astrocytes are strategically positioned between blood capillaries and neurons, suggesting a role in neuronal energy supply.
  • Neurometabolic coupling, the link between neuronal activity and energy metabolism, was initially studied at the single-cell level.
  • Recent advancements have illuminated the importance of astrocyte networks in this process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and update the understanding of neuroglial metabolic coupling.
  • To incorporate recent findings on astroglial metabolic networks and their properties.
  • To explore the contribution of these networks to normal and pathological neuronal activity.

Main Methods:

  • Cellular imaging techniques to visualize astrocyte function.
  • Electrophysiological recordings to assess neuronal and glial activity.
  • Review of current literature on astrocytic networks and neurometabolic coupling.

Main Results:

  • Astrocytes regulate local energy substrate availability by controlling blood flow.
  • Gap junction (GJ)-mediated astrocyte networks distribute energy substrates to neurons.
  • Neuronal activity modulates the uptake and distribution of energy substrates within astrocyte networks.
  • Alterations in astrocytic networks are implicated in neuronal dysfunction in pathological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Astroglial metabolic networks play a crucial role in neurometabolic coupling.
  • These networks are essential for supplying energy substrates to neurons in an activity-dependent manner.
  • Dysfunctional astrocytic networks may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in disease states.