Madrid, 20 feb (EFE).-the astrocytes are more abundant in brain cells together with neurons, and a team of Spanish researchers found that they are involved in processes related to memory and learning, which opens the door to new possible therapeutic against targets Alzheimer.
In particular, the researchers, who published the findings in the journal Plos Biology, the astrocytes to control and regulate the effectiveness of communication between neurons results found.
This phenomenon relates them with the processes of transmission and storage of information in the brain, according to this work whose main lines reported today.
“So far is believed that astrocytes only fulfilled a role of support in the brain,” explained the researcher of the Cajal Institute of the Higher Council for scientific research (CSIC) Alfonso Araque, who led this research.
Study reveals that these cells play a key role in the empowerment to long-term neuronal synaptic transmission, a mechanism related to memory and learning.
Results have been obtained through experiments with genetically modified mice.
Next to the neurons, astrocytes are responsible for how it is processed and the information is stored in the brain, the study concludes.
Once demonstrated this, according to the authors of the research, “it is clear that they can also play an important role in diseases related to it, as it is the case of the Alzheimer”.
Araque emphasized that astrocytes may therefore be “a possible therapeutic target to treat this ailment”.
In addition to the CSIC, have participated in research the University of Castilla – La Mancha and Madrid Autonomous. EFE
