GLIOCYTES OF THE BRAIN: CYTOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL PECULIARITIES (LECTURE)

Abstract

The lecture is devoted to modern data on the types and functions of glial cells (gliocytes), which belong to the auxiliary cells of nervous tissue. A detailed description of the following types of gliocytes is given: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and ependymal cells. Previously, it was believed that the cause of the emergence and development of diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system is the dysfunction of synapses and neurons. However, the analysis of the scientific literature of recent years allows us to state that a special role in the development of pathological processes of the central nervous system is assigned to the glial system of the brain. The change of this scientific paradigm took place gradually and at this time there is no doubt or active opposition among specialists – neuroscientists of the whole world. It is known that gliocytes are needed not only to support the normal activity of neurons, they provide nutrition and protection of nerve cells against the impact of harmful pathogenic factors. The lecture offers a modern view of the function and role of different types of gliocytes in the nervous system under normal and pathological conditions of the brain. The described research data prove the importance of glial cells in coordinating the functions of neurons and open up opportunities for further research in the field of developing therapeutic (targeted) approaches. Understanding the role of gliocytes in neuropathological processes can help in the development of new treatments for various diseases of the central nervous system. This is important, given the large number of neuroprotective, or rather neuroprotective pharmacological agents and at the same time the absence of specialized pro-astrocytic, pro-oligoglial, pro-ependymar and specific medicinal substances to inhibit the function of microgliocytes. This significantly impedes the practical aspects of the treatment of various neurotraumatic, cerebrovascular and, especially, age-related neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. It should be emphasized the significant contribution of Ukrainian neurocytomorphologists to the development of the foundations of solving this problem, among which are: O.H. Chernyakhivsʹkyy, M.I. Zazybin, A.K. Kolomiytsev, Yu.B. Chaykovsʹkyy, et al. Thus, the research of glial cells and their functions is one of the directions of modern neurobiology and neuroscience, which has great potential for further development of neurology and improvement of treatment of patients with brain diseases.