Astrocyte Antibody Marker Kit

Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. These cells are highly heterogeneous in their morphological appearance and can be divided into three categories based on their cellular morphologies and anatomical locations: protoplasmic, fibrous, or radial. 

Astrocytes support neuronal activity in the central nervous system and they outnumber neurons 50:1. They express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters which contribute to the remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging¹. Research suggests that astrocytes communicate with neurons through a calcium-dependent mechanism and release transmitters, called gliotransmitters, namely glutamate, ATP, D-serine and eicosanoids^2,3. The release of gliotransmitters occurs across the plasma membrane and is transferred through volume-regulated anion channels, gap-junction hemichannels, and P2X7 purinergic receptors, ATP-binding cassettes and cysteine-glutamate exchangers.

By releasing gliotransmitters, astrocytes exert a range of non-excitatory feedback and/or feedforward effects on neighboring neurons, glia and blood vessels. In neuronal circuits they can fine-tune the balance between excitation and inhibition and synchronize the activity of contiguous neurons. They can also control blood flow by inducing local vasoconstriction or vasodilation responses⁴.

Astrocytes perform many functions, including biochemical support of endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier, provision of nutrients to the nervous tissue, maintenance of extracellular ion balance, and a role in the repair and scarring process of the brain and spinal cord following traumatic injuries⁵. Astrocytes are related to various human diseases such as AIDS, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis¹.