Role of heterogeneous astrocyte receptor expression in determining astrocytic response to neuronal disorders

Abstract

Following neuronal disorders, astrocytes carry out either neuroprotection or neurodegeneration. Previous authors suggest that favoring of neurodegeneration or neuroprotection by astrocytes can be due to many factors such as the influence of cytokines following their binding on their receptors on astrocytes. These receptors have however been shown to be region specific and heterogeneous. Further, research exploiting their role and influence in determining astrocytic response remains partly elucidated. A review of previous and ongoing research on these receptors would be helpful in the disclosure of astrocytic responses to neuronal disorders.

Keywords: Astrogliosis, Heterogenous astrocyte expression, Antagonistic astrocyte reaction, Nervous injury, Astrocyte mediated neurodegeneration