Retinal Astrocytes (RA)

Astrocytes, also called stellate cells , are the most widely distributed cells in the mammalian brain. Astrocytes are the largest of all glial cells, the number of which is ten times as much as that of neurons.They provide a variety of supportive functions to their partner neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), such as neuronal guidance during development, and nutritional and metabolic support throughout life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that astrocytes are among the most functionally diverse group of cells in the CNS. Impairment of normal astrocyte functions during stroke and other insults can critically influence neuron survival. Long-term recovery after brain injury, through neurite outgrowth, synaptic plasticity, or neuron regeneration, is also influenced by astrocyte surface molecule expression and trophic factor release. Apart from various neuropathological conditions, astrocytes play a particularly important role in retinal vascular disease and glaucoma. Much of what we have learned about astrocytes is from in vitro studies and astrocyte culture is a useful tool for exploring the diverse properties of this cell type.