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Neuroscientists have discovered a new type of #hybrid brain cell, that demonstrates qualities of both #neurons and #glialcells. Traditionally, #braincells are categorised into two types, neurons and glial cells, or #glia. Neurons were considered to be responsible for communication with other neurons via #synaptic transmission, whereas glial cells were believed to have a supporting structural, energetic and immune function. Astrocytes are glial cells found in the close vicinity of #synapses, the gaps between neurons across which information is transmitted via neurotransmitters. The study revealed clusters of #astrocytes capable of releasing #glutamate, the most common #neurotransmitter in the #brain, to take part in synaptic transmission. The researchers have named these cells glutamatergic astrocytes, and their existence could have a profound effect on our understanding of #braindisorders. In the same study, disruption of these cells was shown to affect memory consolidation and movement control, with possible implications in #epilepsy, #parkinsons and #alzheimers.

New Hybrid Cell Discovery Shakes Up Neuroscience - Neuroscience News

New Hybrid Cell Discovery Shakes Up Neuroscience - Neuroscience News

https://neurosciencenews.com

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