Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are the two main types og glia in the brain and they perform a number of essential neuron supportive functions. Astrocytes are important in the physiology of synapses, nodes of Ranvier and the blood-brain barrier. For example, astrocytes take up, release and respond to most of the neurotransmitters in the brain and they may play a role in long term potentiation. They form the glial scar following CNS damage which is believed to inhibit regeneration of axons.
Oligodendrocytes are cells affected in demtelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
The ultimate aim is to provide a greater understanding of the functions of glial cells in the brain, in health and disease. Cellular responses to penetrating CNS injury. In Press Platlet-derived growth factor delays oligodendrocyte differentiation and axonal myelination in vivo in the anterior medullary velum of the developing rat.