Unveiling the Hidden World of Octopus Glia

Abstract

Abstract – Background: Glial cells are important elements constituting the nervous systems and playing important roles. The characterization and exploration about their role are largely based on studies in mammals. Early in the history of modern science (in the distant 1896) is traced the first report of the existence of “bushy” glia cells in the brain of Octopus vulgaris. Subsequent studies focused on the nervous system of octopus and other cephalopods have largely ignored them, in favor of neuronal cells. As a result, there is a notable gap in scientific literature regarding a thorough and comprehensive description of the tissues that support and nourish nerve cells in cephalopods. Summary: This review provides an overview of the intriguing world of glial cells in marine invertebrates, with a focus on octopus and allies. It highlights their significance and complexity while exploring functional analogies with mammalian glial cells. Key Messages: This review emphasizes the need for further research to understand the interaction between nerve cells and glial elements in cephalopods. Understanding these interactions can contribute to our knowledge of the evolution of complex cognition.