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Improved 3D Hydrogel Cultures of Primary Glial Cells for In Vitro Modelling of Neuroinflammation
Published on: December 8, 2017
General pathophysiology of neuroglia
Alexei Verkhratsky1, Elly M Hol2, Lot D de Witte3
1Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|March 27, 2025
Summary
Neuroglia, including astroglia, oligodendroglia, and microglia, support the central nervous system (CNS). While reactive gliosis initially protects neural tissue, it can lead to damage in many diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Neuroglia (astroglia, oligodendroglia, microglia) are crucial for central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and protection.
- Neuroglial cells are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of neurological diseases.
- Changes in neuroglia significantly influence disease outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual role of neuroglia in neurological diseases.
- To understand the mechanisms of reactive gliosis.
- To investigate how neuroglial responses impact nervous tissue integrity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neuroglia and neurological diseases.
- Analysis of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of reactive gliosis.
- Examination of the functional consequences of neuroglial changes in disease models.
Main Results:
- Neuroglia exhibit a conserved response to pathology called reactive gliosis, initially aimed at tissue protection.
- In various diseases, neuroglia can undergo atrophy and functional decline.
- This decline in neuroglial function contributes to nervous tissue damage.
Conclusions:
- Reactive gliosis is a complex process with both protective and detrimental phases.
- Understanding neuroglial responses is key to developing treatments for neurological disorders.
- Targeting neuroglial dysfunction may offer therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection.
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