Astroglial Receptors as Putative Targets for Neurotoxic Agents

Abstract

Astrocytes respond to neurotoxins and play a crucial role in metabolic and structural nerve tissue dysfunction in diseases, such as epilepsy, degenerative diseases, hepatic encephalopathy, and in other toxic states. The cells make up part of the blood/brain barrier, thus being “aware of” blood-borne substances which can penetrate into the nervous tissue. The cells also extend processes into the synaptic regions and probably regulate neuronal activity.Cells respond to changes in their environment by means of specific receptors that detect incoming signals and translate the information into a form that can be recognised by intracellular effector systems. Aspects of astrocyte receptors for neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, receptor interactions, second messenger systems and automodulation of genes after receptor activation are summarised as a basis for studies on the evaluation of the effects of neurotoxic substances and drugs.