“…Currently there are around eleven distinct morphologies of astrocytes identified, of these distinct subtypes eight are associated with the cerebral vasculature (Abbott, 2002). Astrocytes (or astroglia) are also the greatest in number and perform a myriad of functions including BBB homeostasis (Hawkins and Davis, 2005), volume regulation (Iacovetta et al, 2012), neuronal metabolism assistance through lactate shuttling (Schurr et al, 1997), neurotransmitter and ion buffering (Wong et al, 2013), disease (Schlachetzki et al, 2013; Sturrock, 1976), and secretion of basal lamina (Liesi et al, 1983). Astrocytes have also been shown to engage in slow-wave calcium signaling, and are hypothesized to contribute to the electrical behavior of neurons (Carlsen and Perrier, 2014).…”