astrogliosis
Pronunciation: as-tro-gly-OH-sis
Reactive proliferation and hypertrophy of astrocytes in response to CNS injury or inflammation.
Full Definition
Astrogliosis is a characteristic response of astrocytes to central nervous system injury, infection, or disease, involving cellular proliferation, hypertrophy, and increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). This process can be beneficial in the acute phase by forming a protective barrier and maintaining tissue homeostasis, but chronic astrogliosis may contribute to glial scarring and impede neural regeneration. In neuroinflammatory conditions, astrogliosis represents both a response to and a contributor to ongoing pathological processes. The extent and nature of astrogliosis can provide important diagnostic and prognostic information.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from general gliosis, which can involve multiple glial cell types.
In Context
- "MRI findings showed evidence of astrogliosis in regions of chronic demyelination." — Radiological report
- "Immunohistochemistry revealed extensive astrogliosis characterized by increased GFAP expression." — Pathology report