Glial Cell Development Basic Principles and Clinical Relevance

This is a new edition in the Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology series.The vast majority of cells in the nervous system are glial cells. Duringdevelopment, these cells provide growth factors that stimulate theproliferation, migration and survival of neurones and their precursors, andpromote and guide axonal growth. In the mature nervous system, glial cellsprovide insulating myelin sheathe around axons and provide metabolic andstructural support for neurones. Glial cells also have a major influence on thelocal response to injury of the central nerve tract and the peripheral nervoussystem, either promoting, or inhibiting, axonal regrowth and recovery of lostfunction. This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art overview ofresearch into the development, function and malfunction of glial cells. Itoffers a compelling insight into how basic research throws light onto diseasesand disorders and points the way towards treatments. Teams of internationallyrenowned experts, all active in research, have contributed chapters.