Astrocytes—star-shaped non-neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord—are the primary regulating cells of the central nervous system. They also contain receptors for neurotransmitters and hormones produced by the nervous system and facilitate water transport and circulation throughout the body. These bodily functions must be coordinated with neural activity that leads to activation of the astroglial cells. A new review in the journal Function explores the physiology of astroglial intracellular excitability—the ease with which this response is triggered.
Read the full article, “Physiology of astroglial excitability,” and contact the APS Communications Office to schedule an interview with the research team.
