1、Neuron : Supporting cells : CNS : neuroglia (glia) PNS : Schwann cells and satellite cells Functions : physical support electrical insulation metabolic exchange blood-brain barrier,Composition of Nervous Tissue,Neuroglia in the CNS,Able to replicate! Importance in nervous system function is VASTLY u

2、nderestimated! Evidence is mounting: Nurturing role Signaling role (Memory?) Inflammation Pain Many more to come!,Neuroglia: Distinguishing Features,Presence of tight junctions between the endothelial cells One of the notable features of endothelial cells in comparison to other cell is the lack of p

3、inocytic vesicles Selective permeability to molecules based on their molecular weight and lipid solubility Presence of specific markers Rich in two enzymes: gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) (for amino acid transport) and alkaline phosphatase (transport of phsopahte ions) used as marker for BBB.

4、Others: glucose transporter (GLUT-1); endothelial barrier antigen (EBA; unknown function) and antigen recognized by the MRC OX-47 monoclonal antibody (important for cell-to-cell adhesion); transferrin receptor (transport of ferric ions).,Properties of Blood Brain Barriers,BBB,1. Neurons have TWO pro

5、cesses called axons and dendrites. Glial cells only have ONE. 2. Neurons CAN generate action potentials. Glial cells CANNOT, however, do have a resting potential. 3. Neurons HAVE synapses that use neurotransmitters. Glial cells do NOT have chemical synapses. 4. Neurons do NOT continue to divide. Gli

6、al cells DO continue to divide. 5. There are many MORE (10-50 times more) glial cells in the brain compared to the number of neurons.,Glia are different from neurons:,Nerve Cells,Neurons, Glia, Extracellular Space, and Blood,Bidirectional Communication Partners in the CNS,Receiving signals from neig

7、hboring neurons and responding to them with release of neuroactive substances Express receptors for almost all neurotransmitters and neuromodulators Increase of intracellular calcium concentration Membrane depolarization in astrocytes are common responses to neural activity Metabolically coupled to

8、neural activity,Metabolism of Astrocytes and their Metabolic Cooperation with Neurons,Glucose Amino acid metabolism Enzymes: glutamine synthetase(glutamate-glutamine cycle); glycogen phosphorylatase (glycogen mobilization); pyruvate carboxylase (anaplerotic synthesis of oxaloacetate); cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase (synthesis of taurine); glycine cleavage system, glycine metabolism.,Three Types of Metabolic Cooperation of Astrocytes and Neurons,Supply of the energy substrate lactate to neurons The recyclin