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Editors Selection IGR 16-4

Basic Research: Role of astrocytes on RGC axons

Comment by Manuel Vidal-Sanz on:

21964 Astrocytes in glaucomatous optic neuropathy, Hernandez MR; Miao H; Lukas T, Progress in Brain Research, 2008; 173: 353-373

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The manuscript by Hernández et al. (1370) is a very interesting review of the major role played by astrocytes in maintaining the normal physiology of RGC axons within the optic nerve head, as well as their implication in the survival of RGC axons after astrocytes become reactive. In the normal central nervous system (CNS) astrocytes contribute to the preservation of a normal physiological balance of the axon, providing both with a protective and a trophic environment to the axons. A number of different pathogenic mechanisms in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucomatous optic neuropathy, turn quiescent astrocytes into the reactive astrocytic phenotype. Such reactive astrocytes, exhibit an enlarged cell body and a thick network of processes with increased expression of GFAP and Vimentin and may alter significantly a number of homeostatic functions including: energy supply, water exchange, extracellular pH and ion homeostasis maintenance, sodium potassium ATPAse exchange, glutamate transport systems, glial Ca²⁺ signals, and growth factors and receptors. Overall, the data presented in this manuscript highlight many of the changes of normal astrocytes into reactive astrocytes within the optic nerve head of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and suggests that a non-supportive environment for the survival of RGC axons through remodeling of the optic nerve head by reactive astrocytes may lead to progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. In summary, a review worth reading for those interested in the state-of-the-art on optic nerve head changes undergone by astrocytes, demonstrating the importance of reactive astrocytes in the maintenance of a physiological balance of the axon.

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