Astrocytes

Astrocytes are glial cells in the central nervous system which are responsible for maintaining the blood-brain barrier, helping to regulate the nervous system, and providing nutrients to neurons. Astrocytes play a major role in the signalling between neurons and we now know that they are essential for normal brain function. Astrocytes are able to control the transmission of signals across synapses, thanks to their ability to respond to and influence neuronal activity. Studies suggest that astrocytes are involved in many diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and even epilepsy. Understanding and researching astrocytes could help us to better understand, diagnose and treat neurological diseases.