Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025

A Cell Culture Model for Studying the Role of Neuron-Glia Interactions in Ischemia
Published on: November 14, 2020
Astrocytes - friends or foes in neurodegenerative disorders
Alexandra Diana Vrapciu1, Mugurel Constantin Rusu, Adelina Maria Jianu
1Discipline of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; mugurel.rusu@umfcd.ro.
Abstract:
Astrocytes (AS) are the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). They have various morphologies and numerous (50-60) branching prolongations, with roles in the maintenance of the CNS function and homeostasis. AS in the optic nerve head (ONH) have specific distribution and function and are involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and other neural diseases, modify their morphologies, location, immune phenotype, and ultrastructure, thus being the key players in the active remodeling processes of the ONH.
Related Concept Videos
Glial Cells
Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial...
Neuron Structure
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to...
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...

