Astrocytes are a key type of brain cell that help keep our brains healthy in several important ways:
Balancing Ions: Astrocytes help control the levels of ions, especially potassium (), in the spaces outside of brain cells. When neurons are active, they release extra potassium. Astrocytes grab this excess potassium to stop neurons from becoming too excited. A single astrocyte can take in about 100 micromoles of potassium!
Cleaning Up Neurotransmitters: Astrocytes have special helpers that quickly remove neurotransmitters like glutamate. This is important because too much glutamate can be harmful. They can clear more than 90% of the glutamate that gets released within just a few milliseconds after a signal is sent between neurons.
Energy Support: Astrocytes give energy help to neurons by providing a substance called lactate. When neurons are very active, astrocytes can boost lactate production by up to 40%, which helps neurons make energy (ATP).
Protecting the Blood-Brain Barrier: Astrocytes wrap around tiny blood vessels in the brain. This helps control how much things can pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). If astrocytes don’t work properly, the BBB can become 50% more leaky, which might lead to brain swelling and inflammation.
Helping After an Injury: When there’s a brain injury, astrocytes help with the healing process. They can swell up to 200% bigger, which can change the environment around the neurons.
In short, astrocytes play a vital role in helping neurons work properly, providing energy, and protecting the brain from harmful substances. They are crucial for keeping the brain healthy and balanced.
Astrocytes are a key type of brain cell that help keep our brains healthy in several important ways:
Balancing Ions: Astrocytes help control the levels of ions, especially potassium (), in the spaces outside of brain cells. When neurons are active, they release extra potassium. Astrocytes grab this excess potassium to stop neurons from becoming too excited. A single astrocyte can take in about 100 micromoles of potassium!
Cleaning Up Neurotransmitters: Astrocytes have special helpers that quickly remove neurotransmitters like glutamate. This is important because too much glutamate can be harmful. They can clear more than 90% of the glutamate that gets released within just a few milliseconds after a signal is sent between neurons.
Energy Support: Astrocytes give energy help to neurons by providing a substance called lactate. When neurons are very active, astrocytes can boost lactate production by up to 40%, which helps neurons make energy (ATP).
Protecting the Blood-Brain Barrier: Astrocytes wrap around tiny blood vessels in the brain. This helps control how much things can pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). If astrocytes don’t work properly, the BBB can become 50% more leaky, which might lead to brain swelling and inflammation.
Helping After an Injury: When there’s a brain injury, astrocytes help with the healing process. They can swell up to 200% bigger, which can change the environment around the neurons.
In short, astrocytes play a vital role in helping neurons work properly, providing energy, and protecting the brain from harmful substances. They are crucial for keeping the brain healthy and balanced.