Nirva Institute · Astrocytes · Communication & Networks
The Astrocyte Network: The Brain’s Hidden Communication System
A parallel network alongside the neuronal one.
Astrocytes are electrically and chemically coupled to one another through gap junctions, forming syncytial networks that span brain regions.
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A network beneath the network
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What the network may do
Astrocyte networks may distribute metabolic support, buffer ionic disturbances, and integrate signals across neuronal circuits — a picture still being characterised.
Scientific References
Primary literature
AMA numeric style. Citation numbers are unified across the Nirva Life ecosystem — the same number refers to the same reference across every library article. Full registry is anchored in the Cornerstone Paper.
- 182.Verkhratsky A, Nedergaard M. Physiology of astroglia. Physiol Rev. 2018;98(1):239-389. PubMed ↗
- 186.Halassa MM, Haydon PG. Integrated brain circuits: astrocytic networks modulate neuronal activity and behavior. Annu Rev Physiol. 2010;72:335-355. PubMed ↗
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