10. Neuroglia in Neurological Diseases

Summary

Neurological diseases are disorders of the brain, spinal cord and the nerves. Alexander disease (AxD) is the only known example of primary astrogliopathology, being caused by the mutation of astroglia-specific gene. The disruption of blood flow can be caused either by blood vessel rupture or by a restriction of blood supply to the brain or parts of the brain, commonly referred to as brain ischaemia. Astrocytes are the most ischaemia-resistant elements of neural circuits. They are powerful scavengers of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The chapter focuses on neurodegenerative diseases. Gliomas are tumours of the nervous system that develop from glial cells. Glioma cells can undergo substantial shrinkage, which helps them to attain an elongated shape and thus penetrate into narrow interstitial compartments. The majority of therapeutic approaches currently in clinical use target neurones, but it seems likely that future therapeutic efforts may benefit by a stronger focus on neuroglia.