Glial cells are a type of cells found in the brain and spinal cord. They support and protect the nerve cells, helping them function better. Full definition
(2007) Activation of Glial Cells in a Latex Bead Rat Model of High Pressure Glaucoma (Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 48: ARVO E-Abstract 3282). (glaucoma.org)
Until recently it has been difficult to study the role of glial cells in controlling appetite or any other brain function, because scientists haven't developed many techniques for silencing or stimulating these cells, as they have for neurons. (sciencedaily.com)
They started by genetically engineering a nonreplicating form of the common cold virus, called adenovirus, to carry the gene for a protein called glial cell line - derived neurotrophic factor, or GDNF. (sciencemag.org)