Glia-related Acute Effects of Risperidone and Haloperidol in Hippocampal Slices and Astrocyte Cultures from Adult Wistar Rats: A Focus on Inflammatory and Trophic Factor Release.

Antipsychotics are drugs commonly prescribed to treat a variety of psychiatric conditions. They are classified as typical and atypical, depending on their affinity for dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors. Although neurons have been assumed to be the major mediators of the antipsychotic pharmacological effects, glia, particularly astrocytes, have emerged as important cellular targets for these drugs.

The role of glial cells in Zika virus-induced neurodegeneration.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a strongly neurotropic flavivirus whose infection has been associated with microcephaly in neonates. However, clinical and experimental evidence indicate that ZIKV also affects the adult nervous system. In this regard, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the ability of ZIKV to infect glial cells.

Methylmalonic acid induces inflammatory response and redox homeostasis disruption in C6 astroglial cells: potential glioprotective roles of melatonin and resveratrol.

Methylmalonic acidemia is a neurometabolic disorder biochemically characterized by the accumulation of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in different tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). In this sense, it has been shown that high levels of this organic acid have a key role in the progressive neurological deterioration in patients. Astroglial cells actively participate in a wide range of CNS functions, such as antioxidant defenses and inflammatory response.

Glioprotective Effects of Resveratrol Against BMAA-Induced Astroglial Dysfunctions.

Astroglial cells play important roles in maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has usually been associated with neurodegeneration due to its toxic effects on neurons. However, little is known about the effects of BMAA on astroglial cells.

Lipopolysaccharide Induces Gliotoxicity in Hippocampal Astrocytes from Aged Rats: Insights About the Glioprotective Roles of Resveratrol.

Astrocytes may undergo a functional remodeling with aging, acquiring a pro-inflammatory state. In line with this, resveratrol represents an interesting strategy for a healthier brain aging since it can improve glial functions. In the present study, we investigated the glioprotective role of resveratrol against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced gliotoxicity in hippocampal aged astrocytes.

Gliotoxicity and Glioprotection: the Dual Role of Glial Cells.

Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia) are critical for the central nervous system (CNS) in both physiological and pathological conditions. With this in mind, several studies have indicated that glial cells play key roles in the development and progression of CNS diseases. In this sense, gliotoxicity can be referred as the cellular, molecular, and neurochemical changes that can mediate toxic effects or ultimately lead to impairment of the ability of glial cells to protect neurons and/or other glial cells.