Central nervous system neurons and glia (CNS neurons and glia) (CNS neurons and glia)

Central nervous system (CNS) neurons and glia represent the primary cellular components of the brain and spinal cord. Neurons are specialized for the processing and transmission of electrical and chemical signals, forming the basis of all cognitive and motor functions (StatPearls, 2023). Glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, provide essential support by maintaining homeostasis, forming myelin, and providing immune defense within the neural environment (NIH, 2022). While these cells are the site of action for a vast array of pharmacological agents, they do not constitute a single therapeutic target; rather, they express thousands of distinct receptors, enzymes, and transporters that serve as specific targets for drugs treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and depression (PubChem, 2024). Dysregulation or damage to these cell populations is a hallmark of nearly all neurological and psychiatric disorders. Therapeutic strategies often focus on modulating specific signaling pathways within these cells to restore function or prevent further degeneration.

Other names

CNS cellsNeural and glial cellsNeuro-glial unitNervous tissue cells

Drugs act on specific molecular targets (receptors, channels, transporters) expressed by these cells rather than the cells themselves.