Astrocytes the star of the brain

Star-shaped brain cells have a central role in the regulation of breathing and could provide insight into conditions such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome according to new research.

The cells – astrocytes – were previously thought to act as glue between neurons but scientists have discovered that they are actually able to sense levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and activate neural respiratory networks to increase breathing in accordance with prevailing metabolism and activity.

“This research identifies brain astrocytes as previously unrecognised crucial elements of the brain circuits controlling fundamental bodily functions vital for life such as breathing, and indicates that they are indeed the real stars of the brain,” said Dr Alexander Gourine, a Wellcome Trust senior research fellow at University College London (UCL).

Gourine and colleagues from UCL and the University of Bristol carried out the research on rats using a revolutionary gene transfer technique that allowed them to observe and control the activity of living brains using light.

They found that astrocytes have a unique ability to taste the composition of blood entering the brain from the artery by sensing the levels of carbon dioxide. When activated the release the chemical messenger ATP which stimulates brain respiratory centres to increase breathing to remove the excess carbon dioxide.

“The basic science information has to be used rapidly in order to determine whether glial dysfunction contributes to serious disorders of central control of breathing underlying Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and/or central hypoventilation syndrome (Ondine’s curse,” said Gourine, “If this hypothesis is correct, astrocytes may be considered as potential targets for therapy in preventing respiratory failure.”