Role of Astrocytes in Epilepsy and Schizophrenia

Abstract

The dangers of epilepsy and schizophrenia are increasingly being noticed. Its economic burden, social harm and harm to patients cannot be ignored. However, little is known about the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. Relevant treatment is limited to symptomatic treatment. Research suggests astrocytes play a role in seizures and schizophrenia. In the occurrence and development of mental diseases such as epilepsy and schizophrenia, astrocytes cannot be ignored. The article introduces the current findings and theories on role and function of astrocytes, and their connection with epilepsy and schizophrenia. It describes the positive effects and negative effects of astrocytes and their basic mechanisms that are now believed. And those mechanisms include glutamate-glutamine cycle which is related to the synthesizing of gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA), blood brain barrier which is controlling the matter exchange between vessels and brain, several molecules and inflammatory factors effect on the channel expressing on the surface of astrocytes and other main paths that could contribute to neuronal disorders. The article also includes several chemicals and their effects on inhibiting astrocytes of isolated sample, from chliroquine, calmodulin-trifluoperazin, gamma globulin and anticardiolipin antibodies. Last, the present study on the relationship between epilepsy and schizophrenia is discussed.