Lugaro cell

Lugaro cells are a type of neuron found in the cerebellum, a region of the brain involved in motor control and coordination. Named after the Italian neurologist Ernesto Lugaro, these cells are characterized by their elongated shape and their location in the granular layer of the cerebellum.

Anatomy

Lugaro cells are situated in the granular layer of the cerebellum, lying parallel to the Purkinje cells. They are characterized by their elongated soma, which can extend up to 100 micrometers in length. The cells possess a single axon and several dendrites, which extend into the molecular layer of the cerebellum.

Function

The primary function of Lugaro cells is to modulate the activity of Golgi cells, another type of neuron found in the cerebellum. They achieve this through the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. This modulation plays a crucial role in the fine-tuning of motor control and coordination.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in Lugaro cells have been implicated in several neurological disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and spinocerebellar ataxia. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of these cells in disease pathogenesis.

See also

• Neuron
• Cerebellum
• Purkinje cells
• Golgi cells