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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Mechanisms of Cell-Volume Regulation in the Central Nervous System

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Function and viability of every cell is dependent on the proper control of its shape and volume. In the brain, which is protected by a rigid outer shell, cell-volume regulation is of particular importance, since large volume changes affect cerebral perfusion and, hence, function. Neuronal activation leads to constant changes of the ionic and metabolic composition of the brain’s extracellular space. These changes are buffered by astrocytes on the expense of constant changes in cell volume. Under pathological conditions, the ability of astrocytes to maintain the homeostasis of the brain is overwhelmed and permanent cell swelling, cytotoxic edema, occurs. The current chapter describes the principles and mechanisms of cell-volume regulation in vertebrate cells and deals with the striking differences between cell-volume regulation in cells of the central nervous system and those located outside the brain, specifically under pathological conditions.