The Retinal M�ller Cell: Structure and Function / Edition 1

by Vijay Sarthy, Harris Ripps

Overview

The human brain contains more than a billion neurons which interconnect to form networks that process, store, and recall sensory information. These neuronal activities are supported by a group of accessory brain cells coll- tively known as neuroglia. Surprisingly, glial cells are ten times more - merous than neurons, and occupy more than half the brain volume (Hydén, 1961). Although long considered a passive, albeit necessary, component of the nervous system, many interesting and unusual functional properties of glial cells are only now being brought to light. As a result, the status of these cellular elements is approaching parity with nerve cells as a subject for experimental study. The term glia (or glue) seems today to be a misnomer in view of the diverse functions attributed to glial cells. Experimental studies in the last three decades have clearly established that the behavior of glial cells is far from passive, and that they are at least as complex as neurons with regard to their membrane properties. In addition, glial cells are of importance in signal processing, cellular metabolism, nervous system development, and the pathophysiology of neurological diseases. The Müller cell of the ver- brate retina provides a splendid example of an accessory cell that exhibits features illustrating every aspect of the complex behavior now associated with glial cells.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306464706
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	04/30/2001
Series:	Perspectives in Vision Research
Edition description:	2001
Pages:	278
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Structural Organization of Retinal Glia.- Role in Retinal Development.- Metabolic Interactions with Neurons.- Neuron-Glia Signaling Pathways.- K+ Dynamics, Ion Channels, and Transretinal Potentials.- Role in Retinal Pathophysiology.