Astrocytes in the central nervous system and their functions in health and disease: A review

Abstract

Astrocytes are key cells in the central nervous system. They are involved in many important functions under physiological and pathological conditions. As part of neuroglia, they have been recognised as cellular elements in their own right. The name astrocyte was first proposed by Mihaly von Lenhossek in 1895 because of the finely branched processes and star-like appearance of these particular cells. As early as the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, Ramon y Cajal and Camillo Golgi had noted that although astrocytes have stellate features, their morphology is extremely diverse. Modern research has confirmed the morphological diversity of astrocytes both in vitro and in vivo and their complex, specific, and important roles in the central nervous system. In this review, the functions of astrocytes and their roles are described.

Keywords: Astrocytes, Morphology, Astrocyte functions, Molecular markers

Core Tip: Astrocytes are a part of neuroglia with extremely diverse morphology and functions. They participate in numerous physiological processes, such as regulation of axonal growth and support, blood-brain barrier formation, immune responses as well as functioning in higher cognitive functions, including memory. Since modern research has confirmed the morphological diversity of astrocytes both in vitro and in vivo, they remain in the centre of investigation.