Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology

Volume 6, Issue 12 (December 2015)

ISSN Print: 2156-8456   ISSN Online: 2156-8502

Google-based Impact Factor: 1.18  Citations  h5-index & Ranking

Self-Structuring of Motile Astrocytic Processes within the Network of a Single Astrocyte

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DOI: 10.4236/abb.2015.612074    4,590 Downloads   5,424 Views  Citations

ABSTRACT

Dynamic structuring and functions of perisynaptic astrocytic processes and of the gap junction network within a single astrocyte are outlined. Motile perisynaptic astrocytic processes are generating microdomains. By contacting and retracting of their endfeet an appropriate receptor pattern is selected that modulates the astrocytic receptor sheath for its activation by neurotransmitter substances, ions, transporters, etc. This synaptic information processing occurs in three distinct time scales of milliseconds to seconds, seconds to minutes, hours or longer. Simultaneously, the interconnecting gap junctions are activated by building a network within the astrocyte. Frequently activated gap junction cycles become embodied in gap junction plaques. The gap junction network formation and gap junction plaques are governed and controlled in the same time scales as synaptic information processing. Biomimetic computer systems may represent an alternative to limitations of brainphysiological research. The model proposed allows the interpretation of affective psychoses and schizophrenia as time disorders basically determined by a shortened, prolonged or lacking time scale of synaptic information processing.

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Mitterauer, B. (2015) Self-Structuring of Motile Astrocytic Processes within the Network of a Single Astrocyte. Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 6, 723-733. doi: 10.4236/abb.2015.612074.

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