Astrocyte

The class II cytokine receptor family includes receptors for interferon a/P (lEN a/P) and y (lENy) and IL-10. lEN-y immunoreactivity has been found in neurons in the hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, mammilary nuclei, and dorsal tegmentum. Astrocytes and microglia in vitro can be stimulated to express class II histocompatibiHty complex (MHC-II) antigens by lEN-y, which may be involved in the presentation of antigen to T-ceUs by astrocytes. Thus lEN-y may be critical in CNS-immune function and dysfunction especially in regard to neuronal and gHal apoptotic processes. 

The class III cytokine receptor family includes two TNE receptors, the low affinity NGE receptor and 7-ceU surface recognition sites that appear to play a role in proliferation, apoptosis, and immunodeficiency. TNE-a (- 17, 000 protein) is produced by astrocytes and microglia and can induce fever, induce slow-wave sleep, reduce feeding, stimulate prostaglandin synthesis, stimulate corticotrophin-releasing factor and prolactin secretion, and reduce thyroid hormone secretion. TNE-a stimulates IL-1 release, is cytotoxic to oligodendrocytes, and reduces myelination this has been impHcated in multiple sclerosis and encephalomyelitis. Astrocyte TNE-a receptors mediate effects on IL-6 expression and augment astrocytic expression of MHC in response to other stimulants such as lEN-y. 

Category of glial cells in the vertebrate central nervous system with long radial processes. Astrocytes provide structural support to neive cells and help to control their chemical and ionic extracellular environment. 

Endothelial cells are the major source of ET-1-synthesis. ET-1 is also produced by astrocytes, neurons, hepatocytes, bronchial epithelial cells, renal epithelial and mesangial cells. Physiological stimuli of ET-1-synthesis in endothelial cells are angiotensin II, catecholamines, thrombin, growth factors, insulin, hypoxia and shear stress. Inhibitors of ET-1 synthesis are atrial natriuretic peptide, prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin. ET-2 is mainly synthesized in kidney, intestine, myocardium and placenta and ET-3 is predominantely produced by neurons, astrocytes and renal epithelial cells. 

GLT1/EAAT2 (SLC1A2) Astrocytes in cerebral cortex, hippocampus 5-100 Clearance of interstitial glutamate... 

Conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a newly discovered growth factor with a high specificity and activity to promote survival of dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in vivo. CDNF is homologous to an astrocyte-derived growth factor, MANF-1. 

Non-neuronal cells (including astrocytes, mechan-osensory hair cells, macrophages, keratinocytes, endothelial cells of the vascular system, muscle cells, lymphocytes, intestinal epithelial cells and various cell-types of the lungs)... 

Adlerz L., Soomets U., Holmlund L., Viiriaid S., Langel U., Iverfeldt K. Down-regulation of amyloid precursor protein by peptide nucleic acid oligomer in cultured rat primary neurons and astrocytes. Neurosci. Lett. 2003 336 55-59. 

The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, or prion diseases, are fatal neurodegenerative diseases characterized by spongiform changes, astrocytic gliomas, and neuronal loss resulting from the deposition of insoluble protein aggregates in neural cells. They include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, scrapie in... 

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