Definition
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells integrally involved in synaptic communication by providing nutrients, support and insulation for neurons of the central nervous system. As immunocompetent cells, astrocytes can be activated by bacteria and viruses to release classical immune products. Current studies suggest that astrocytes maintain exaggerated pain in pathological pain models.
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© 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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(2007). Astrocytes. In: Schmidt, R., Willis, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Pain. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29805-2_305
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29805-2_305
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-43957-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-29805-2
eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine