Introducing Enteric Glial Cells

This book emphasizes the pivotal role of enteric glial cells in maintaining gut health and their influence on the gut-brain axis. Although their existence was first noted at the end of the nineteenth century, recent scientific attention has shed light on their crucial functions, especially in inflammatory bowel diseases and potential links to neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease. Understanding how these cells operate and interact within the complex network of the enteric nervous system is vital, not only for unraveling gut-related disorders but also for exploring their impact on brain health.Designed as a comprehensive guide, this book provides practical protocols to identify, visualize, and isolate enteric glial cells using techniques such as enzymatic digestion, immunofluorescence, and advanced imaging methods like confocal microscopy. It highlights the importance of studying glial cell behavior and their morphological diversity across different states of activation and maturation. Moreover, it explores innovative approaches using transgenic models and human biopsies to investigate their activity, interactions with the microbiome, and responses to inflammation.Understanding these mechanisms may open new avenues for therapies targeting both gastrointestinal and neurodegenerative diseases. This book also discusses possibilities for cell-based interventions, including the potential for enteric glial transplantation into the central nervous system. Overall, this work aims to bridge gastrointestinal and neurological research, underscoring the significance of enteric glia in health, disease, and the intricate communication between the gut and the brain. Advancing knowledge in this area could lead to novel, more precise treatments that address the root causes of complex conditions affecting both the gut and the nervous system.