How The Finger-Like Appendages of Astrocytes Called End-Feet Keep the Brain Healthy

Star-shaped brain cells appear to help keep blood pressure and blood flow inside the brain on a healthy tone, report scientists.

The finger-like appendages of astrocytes, called end-feet, quite literally wrap around the countless, fragile blood vessels in the brain, constantly monitoring what is going on inside and around them.

Autologous Stem Cell Therapy Helpful in Treating Traumatic Brain Injury in Kids
In those children who received stem cells therapy, researchers noted a significant change beginning at 24 hours post-treatment through the first week.

"This is the first evidence of the astrocytes’ role in pressure-induced myogenic (muscle) tone, which is keeping things regular," said Dr Jessica A Filosa, neurovascular physiologist at Georgia Regents University.

Filosa calls astrocytes "housekeepers". When they sense a change in blood pressure inside the brain, one of their duties is releasing signals that help dilate or constrict the blood vessels, whichever it takes to maintain the healthy status quo.

In fact, astrocytes keep their fingers on the pulse of blood vessels and neurons simultaneously, apparently playing an important role in balancing their needs.

Human Brain Easily Identifies Basic Shades of Color But Misremember Hues
The human mind differentiates colors and tries to bring together certain accurate details with more restricted and language-driven categories.

"They are perfect bridges between what is going on with neuronal activity and blood flow changes to the brain."

Astrocytes relentlessly monitor and respond to changes in blood pressure to help keep the brain from getting too much blood.

Meet the Man Who Sang and Played Guitar While Undergoing Brain Surgery
The 33-year-old man underwent surgery to remove his brain tumor, but showed amazing courage as he sang six songs including 'Yesterday' by The Beatles.

The team is now looking into what effect activating astrocytes has on neuronal activity.

The paper appeared in The Journal of Neuroscience.

Brain Activity Prompts Some To Avoid Eye Contact Or To Kick Off Interaction
Eye contact plays a crucial role when people initiate an interaction with others while for some, it triggers the brain to motivate avoidance.

Source-IANS