Mechanosensitivity of the Nervous System

Abstract

This Volume allows the reader to acquire a modern vision of the field of mechanosensitivity of cells and tissues of the nervous system. It consists of 16 reviews, which are united into 4 parts. The first section 'Mechanosensitivity of nervous cells' discusses the physiological role of mechanosensitive channels in neurons during development, synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission regulation between neurons and astrocytes, and in activation of brain protection system - microglial cells. The first chapters introduces the various ion channels with mechanosensitivity, which are found in the nervous system and discusses their biophysical properties and limitations as candidate molecules for mechanical transducers. The second section 'Mechanosensitivity of Receptors' describes mechanical effectors of the cochlea in mammalian outer hair cells and osmoreceptors in cochlear outer hair cells. It also provides a comprehensive discussion of different neurotransmitters, which are involved in the modulation of transmitter release. The third section 'Biomechanic of Nervous System' is devoted to the analysis of the viscoelastic properties of individual neurons and glial cells and contains a detailed discussion of the mechanical properties of brain tissue. The final section 'Mechanosensitivity of Neurovascular System' outlines the role of mechanosensitive channels in barrier function.