How does glial cells affect parkinson's disease? How does glial cells affect neurotransmitters ?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8433802
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7927647
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/glia.html
Glial cells are non-neuronal cells that play a crucial role in supporting and protecting neurons in the brain. They have been found to have an impact on Parkinson's disease (PD) and the regulation of neurotransmitters.
1. Glial Cells and Parkinson's Disease (PD):
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Glial cells, especially a type called astrocytes, have been implicated in PD. Astrocytes become activated in response to neuronal damage or inflammation.
In PD, activated astrocytes release pro-inflammatory molecules that can further contribute to the deterioration of dopamine-producing neurons. They also release reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative stress and damage to surrounding cells. Furthermore, astrocytes in PD can enhance the production of factors that inhibit the growth and repair of damaged neurons.
2. Glial Cells and Neurotransmitters:
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow communication between neurons. Glial cells, particularly a type called astrocytes, have a significant impact on the regulation of neurotransmitters. They perform several functions related to neurotransmitter balance:
a. Uptake and Recycling: Astrocytes have specialized transporters that can take up released neurotransmitters from the synapse. This helps regulate the concentration of neurotransmitters in the extracellular space and prevents their excessive accumulation, which could lead to overexcitation or neurotoxicity.
b. Metabolism and Recycling: Once taken up, astrocytes can metabolize neurotransmitters and convert them into precursor molecules that can be used to synthesize new neurotransmitters. This recycling process ensures a continuous supply of neurotransmitters and helps maintain their proper levels in the brain.
c. Regulation of Synaptic Transmission: Astrocytes can modulate the release of neurotransmitters from neurons. They can sense neuronal activity and release certain signaling molecules called gliotransmitters, which can influence synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability.
In summary, glial cells, specifically astrocytes, can impact Parkinson's disease by releasing pro-inflammatory molecules, causing oxidative stress, and inhibiting neuronal repair. They also play a crucial role in the regulation of neurotransmitters by facilitating their uptake, recycling, metabolism, and modulation of synaptic transmission. Understanding the interactions between glial cells and neurotransmitters is therefore important for unraveling the complexities of Parkinson's disease and developing potential therapeutic interventions.