Table 1. Functions of astroglial cells (modified from11).
| Astroglial functions | |
|---|---|
| Developmental | Regulation of neuro– and gliogenesis – astroglia are stem elements of the CNS Neuronal path finding Regulation of synaptogenesis |
| Structural | Astroglia divide the grey matter into independent territories and form neuro-vascular units Astrocytes form anatomically segregated syncytia and integrate other neural cells into this syncytium Formation of the glial-vascular interface and regulation of blood-brain barrier |
| Metabolic | Regulation of cerebral microcirculation Providing energy substrates for neurones through glucose-lactate shuttle |
| Homeostatic | Regulation of extracellular ion concentrations; in particular sequestration and redistribution of K+ following fluctuations associated with neuronal activity Regulation of extracellular pH Homeostasis of neurotransmitters and specifically glutamate Brain water homeostasis |
| Signalling | Modulation of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity Release of gliotransmitters Long-range signalling within the glial syncytium Integration of neuronal-glial networks |