Breath of fresh Air for brain “glue” cells

The respiratory system isn’t the only physiological organ that allows you to breathe, the brain plays a major part as well. Astrocyte cells found in the brain and spinal cord have recently been found to sense changes of carbon dioxide in the blood, and stimulate neurons to maintain respiration. Astrocytes, which are glial cells, are the most abundant cells in the brain. Before the research on these cells were done, the main role of the astrocytes were thought only to provide neuronal structure and nutritional support to the brain, but according to Alexander Gourine of the University College London “…a few recent studies have shown that astrocytes can actually help neurons process information.” These cells are changing the way scientists believe the process of breathing actually occurs.

When a person exercises there is an increase of Carbon Dioxide in the blood, causing the pH level of the blood to decrease. Neurons are thought to sense that change of carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing the lungs to get rid of a higher amount of carbon dioxide. However, the neurons aren’t the only cells found to determine that change, the astrocytes can sense it as well. When the astrocyte cell figures out the change it causes an increase of ATP (Adenine Triphosphate) and calcium ions. ATP has been found to stimulate neurons that help with the process of respiration, by doing this the neurons stimulated by the ATP then increase the rate of breathing in order to remove a surplus of carbon dioxide from the blood.

This research can impact society greatly. Scientists believe when they further their research it can open a door to a better understanding of the failure of the respiratory system. This in turn can lead to cures for people suffering with these problems by looking at astrocyte cells as being the main cause instead of other common respiratory functions.