Role of Astrocytic Mitochondria in Limiting Ischemic Brain Injury?

Physiology (Bethesda). 2018 Mar 1;33(2):99-112. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00038.2017.

Abstract

Until recently, astrocyte processes were thought to be too small to contain mitochondria. However, it is now clear that mitochondria are found throughout fine astrocyte processes and are mobile with neuronal activity resulting in positioning near synapses. In this review, we discuss evidence that astrocytic mitochondria confer selective resiliency to astrocytes during ischemic insults and the functional significance of these mitochondria for normal brain function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / metabolism*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain Ischemia / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism