Page last updated: 2024-10-24

astrocyte end-foot

Definition

Target type: cellularcomponent

Terminal process of astrocyte abutting non-neuronal surfaces in the brain. [NIF_Subcellular:sao388182739]

Astrocyte end-feet, also known as perivascular astrocytic processes, are specialized structures that wrap around blood vessels in the central nervous system (CNS). They play a crucial role in regulating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a highly selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream. The end-foot is characterized by a highly organized cytoskeleton, which is responsible for maintaining its shape and anchoring it to the blood vessel. The cytoskeleton contains a network of intermediate filaments, microtubules, and microfilaments. In addition to the cytoskeleton, astrocyte end-feet contain a number of other important components, including:

* **Aquaporin 4 (AQP4):** A water channel protein that facilitates the rapid movement of water across the astrocyte end-foot membrane. This is essential for maintaining the osmotic balance between the blood and brain.
* **Glutamate transporters:** Astrocytes play a role in removing excess glutamate from the synaptic cleft, which is a space between neurons where communication occurs. Astrocyte end-feet contain glutamate transporters that transport glutamate from the synapse into the astrocyte.
* **Ion channels:** Astrocyte end-feet express a variety of ion channels, including potassium, sodium, and calcium channels. These channels play a role in regulating the electrical activity of astrocytes and their interaction with neurons.
* **Adhesion molecules:** Astrocyte end-feet express adhesion molecules that bind to the blood vessel wall. These molecules help to maintain the structural integrity of the BBB and prevent the leakage of blood components into the brain.
* **Gap junctions:** Astrocytes communicate with each other through gap junctions, which are channels that allow the passage of small molecules between cells. These junctions help to coordinate the activity of astrocytes and ensure that they function as a cohesive network.

Astrocyte end-feet are highly dynamic structures that can respond to changes in the environment, such as blood flow or neuronal activity. They play a critical role in maintaining the health and function of the CNS. Disruption of astrocyte end-feet function is implicated in a number of neurological disorders, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.'
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Proteins (2)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Adenylate cyclase type 10An adenylate cyclase type 10 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q96PN6]Homo sapiens (human)
Sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit beta-2A sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit beta-2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P14415]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (14)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
lansoprazoleLansoprazole: A 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxypyridyl derivative of timoprazole that is used in the therapy of STOMACH ULCERS and ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME. The drug inhibits H(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE which is found in GASTRIC PARIETAL CELLS. Lansoprazole is a racemic mixture of (R)- and (S)-isomers.benzimidazoles;
pyridines;
sulfoxide
anti-ulcer drug;
EC 3.6.3.10 (H(+)/K(+)-exchanging ATPase) inhibitor
omeprazole5-methoxy-2-{[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]sulfinyl}-1H-benzimidazole : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1H-benzimidazole which is substituted by a [4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]sulfinyl group at position 2 and a methoxy group at position 5.

omeprazole : A racemate comprising equimolar amounts of (R)- and (S)-omeprazole.

Omeprazole: A 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridyl, 5-methoxybenzimidazole derivative of timoprazole that is used in the therapy of STOMACH ULCERS and ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME. The drug inhibits an H(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE which is found in GASTRIC PARIETAL CELLS.
aromatic ether;
benzimidazoles;
pyridines;
sulfoxide
pantoprazolepantoprazole : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1H-benzimidazole substituted by a difluoromethoxy group at position 5 and a [(3,4-dimethoxypyridin-2-yl)methyl]sulfinyl group at position 2.

Pantoprazole: 2-pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazole proton pump inhibitor that is used in the treatment of GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX and PEPTIC ULCER.
aromatic ether;
benzimidazoles;
organofluorine compound;
pyridines;
sulfoxide
anti-ulcer drug;
EC 3.6.3.10 (H(+)/K(+)-exchanging ATPase) inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
xenobiotic
rostafuroxinrostafuroxin: structure in first source
2-hydroxyestradiol2-hydroxy-17beta-estradiol : A 2-hydroxy steroid that consists of 17beta-estradiol having an additional hydroxy group at position 2.

2-hydroxyestradiol: catechol estrogen; RN given refers to (17 beta)-isomer
17beta-hydroxy steroid;
2-hydroxy steroid
carcinogenic agent;
human metabolite;
metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
prodrug
nsc 889154-pregnen-21-ol-3,20-dione-21-(4-bromobenzenesufonate): a tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase inhibitor; structure in first source
ouabaincardiac glycoside : Steroid lactones containing sugar residues that act on the contractile force of the cardiac muscles.

ouabain : A steroid hormone that is a multi-hydroxylated alpha-L-rhamnosyl cardenoloide. It binds to and inhibits the plasma membrane Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (sodium pump). It has been isolated naturally from Strophanthus gratus.

Ouabain: A cardioactive glycoside consisting of rhamnose and ouabagenin, obtained from the seeds of Strophanthus gratus and other plants of the Apocynaceae; used like DIGITALIS. It is commonly used in cell biological studies as an inhibitor of the NA(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE.
11alpha-hydroxy steroid;
14beta-hydroxy steroid;
5beta-hydroxy steroid;
alpha-L-rhamnoside;
cardenolide glycoside;
steroid hormone
anti-arrhythmia drug;
cardiotonic drug;
EC 2.3.3.1 [citrate (Si)-synthase] inhibitor;
EC 3.1.3.41 (4-nitrophenylphosphatase) inhibitor;
EC 3.6.3.10 (H(+)/K(+)-exchanging ATPase) inhibitor;
EC 3.6.3.9 (Na(+)/K(+)-transporting ATPase) inhibitor;
ion transport inhibitor;
plant metabolite
digitoxindigitoxin : A cardenolide glycoside in which the 3beta-hydroxy group of digitoxigenin carries a 2,6-dideoxy-beta-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1->4)-2,6-dideoxy-beta-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1->4)-2,6-dideoxy-beta-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl trisaccharide chain.

Digitoxin: A cardiac glycoside sometimes used in place of DIGOXIN. It has a longer half-life than digoxin; toxic effects, which are similar to those of digoxin, are longer lasting. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p665)
cardenolide glycosideEC 3.6.3.9 (Na(+)/K(+)-transporting ATPase) inhibitor
digoxindigoxin : A cardenolide glycoside that is digitoxin beta-hydroxylated at C-12. A cardiac glycoside extracted from the foxglove plant, Digitalis lanata, it is used to control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation and in the management of congestive heart failure with atrial fibrillation, but the margin between toxic and therapeutic doses is small.

Digoxin: A cardiotonic glycoside obtained mainly from Digitalis lanata; it consists of three sugars and the aglycone DIGOXIGENIN. Digoxin has positive inotropic and negative chronotropic activity. It is used to control ventricular rate in ATRIAL FIBRILLATION and in the management of congestive heart failure with atrial fibrillation. Its use in congestive heart failure and sinus rhythm is less certain. The margin between toxic and therapeutic doses is small. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p666)
cardenolide glycoside;
steroid saponin
anti-arrhythmia drug;
cardiotonic drug;
EC 3.6.3.9 (Na(+)/K(+)-transporting ATPase) inhibitor;
epitope
digitoxigenindigitoxigenin : A 5beta-cardenolide that is 5beta-cardanolide with hydroxy substituents at the 3beta- and 14beta-positions and double bond unsaturation at C(20)-C(22).

Digitoxigenin: 3 beta,14-Dihydroxy-5 beta-card-20(22)enolide. A cardenolide which is the aglycon of digitoxin. Synonyms: Cerberigenin; Echujetin; Evonogenin; Thevetigenin.
14beta-hydroxy steroid;
3beta-hydroxy steroid
phakellistatin 2phakellistatin 2: isolated from the marine sponge Phakellia carteri; structure in first source
digitoxigenin monodigitoxosidedigitoxigenin monodigitoxoside: RN given refers to (ribo-3beta,5beta)-isomer
evomonosideevomonoside : A cardenolide glycoside consisting of digitoxigenin having an alpha-L-rhamnosyl moiety attached at the O(3)-position.

evomonoside: a cytotoxic cardiac glycoside from Lepidium apetalum; RN refers to (3beta,5beta)-isomer
cardenolide glycoside
halisulfate 1halisulfate 1: an isocitrate lyase inhibitor sesterterpene sulfate from sponge, Hippospongia sp.; structure in first sourceorganic molecular entitymetabolite