Leaning objectives

1. describe the basic classes of cells found in the central nervous system
2. describe the basic functions of the three types of glial cells found in the CNS.
Characterize the blood-brain barrier.

Thionine stained motor cortex slide.

Types of cells: Neurons, Neuroglia, vascular epithelium.
Neuroglia: support the electrical and chemical functions of the neurons.

Functions
1. Suport the metabolic and signalling functions of neurons.
2. participate in neuron circuit formation and synaptic plasticity.
3. make myelin (axonal insulation)
4. contribute to formation of blood-brain barrier.
5. Participate in inflammatory response in injured neural tissue including phagocytosis and cellular
debris
Contribute to the formation of scar tissue in the brain and spinal cord.

1. Astrocyte
Found primarily in gray atter (closely associated with neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses).
Help maintain ionic balance of extracellular fluids
Take-up and process neurotransmitters from synaptic clefts
Assist in the formation of new synapses and circuits
Contribute to the formation of blood-brain barrier and brain-ependymal (ventricular) barrier
Contribute to the formation of scar in necrotic neural tissue following injury.

2. Oligodendrocyte
Found in white matter and form myelin (Schwann cells make myelin in peripheral nerves).
Myelin aids in the propogation of neural signals along myelinated axons
Present antigens that influence the outgrowth of axons developing and recovering brain.
Unfortunately, subject to immunological attack in diseases of the CNS (eg. Multiple sclerosis).

Myelin sheaths!, oligodendrocyte generate myelin which wraps around axon, gaps called nodes of
ranvier (raan- vE- A).
Insulate axons by generating layers of membrane that wrap around axon segments
Decrease ionic leakiness of the membrane
Gaps between myelin segments, called nodes of ranvier allows for the economical concentration
of ion channels and ion pumps that are necessary for electrical signalling in axons.

3. Microglial cell
Special type of mononuclear phagocyte that reside in the CNS.
Derived from hematopoietic precursor cells that migrate into the brain during development.
Exists in one of two forms: amoeboid and ramified
The ramified form is the ddormant state.
The amoeboid form is the activated, mobile state when microglia cells are engaged in phagocytic
activity.
Activated microglia secrete signalling molecules (cytokines) that modulate local inflammatory
responses.

4. Glial stem cell

Subset of astrocytes located near the ventricles, often adjacent to blood vessels.
May give rise to more stem cells, mature astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or mature neurons.
Exibit key properties of somatic stem cells:
Proliferation
Self renewal

Potency to make all the cells of a given tissue.

Oligodendrocyte precursor scattered throught the white matter

Mainly gives rise to mature oligodendrocytes but may generate astrocytes and neurons.

Blood brain barrier

Specialized permeability barrier between the capilliary endotheliym and the extracellular space in
neural tissue.
Via tight junctions (seal up spaces between overlapping spaces.) surrounded by end-feet of
astrocytes, completely envelop cell.
Excluded large water soluble molecules, certain pathologic microbes, toxins.
May also disallow drugs into the brain.
Present in most places throught the brain, certain exceptions. (ie. Endocrine portions hypothalamus,
pineal gland.
Present at birth and maintained throughout the lifespan.