Astrocytes function

Unlike the effects of MOP activation, KOP stimulation typically has limited or opposing effects on astrocyte function. Eor example, KOP activation markedly reduces Tat-induced MCP-1 expression in human astrocytes (Sheng et al. 2003) or fails to affect CCL2 release by murine astrocytes (El-Hage et al. 2005). Morphine and Tat differently affect patterns of MOP and KOP expression in astrocytes, suggesting fundamental differences in the regulation of each receptor type (Turchan-Cholewo et al. 2008). The differences likely reflect the unique actions of MOP and KOP in astrocytes (Bohn et al. 2000 Belcheva et al. 2005), and are likely to be important for HlV-1 neuropathogenesis. 

Morganti-Kossmann MC, Kossmann T, Brandes ME, Mergenhagen SE, Wahl SM Autocrine and paracrine regulation of astrocyte function by transforming growth factor-(5. J Neuroimmunol 1992 39 163-173. 

Pasinetti GM, Tocco G, Sakhi S, Musleh WD, DeSimoni MG, et al. 1996. Hereditary deficiencies in complement C5 are associated with intensified neurodegenerative responses that implicate new roles for the C-system in neuronal and astrocytic functions. Neurobiol Dis 3 197-204. 

Waxman Astrocytes express the mRNA for several Na channels, including SCNSA. Is it possible that there is a double whammy, with limbic neurons generating epileptogenesis coupled with a defect in astrocytic function that also contributes to epileptogenesis ... 

Schwartz, J.P. and Taniwaki, T. (1994) Heterogeneity of expression of neuropeptide genes by astrocytes functional implications. Perspect. Dev. Neurobiol. 2 251-257. 

Blackburn, D., Sargsyan, S., Monk, P.N., Shaw, P.J., 2009. Astrocyte function and role in motor neuron disease a future therapeutic target Gha 57, 1251-1264. 

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