astrogliosis
Pronunciation: as-troh-gly-OH-sis
Proliferation and activation of astrocytes in response to brain injury or disease.
Full Definition
Astrogliosis refers to the reactive response of astrocytes to various forms of brain injury, characterized by cellular hypertrophy, proliferation, and increased GFAP expression. This process serves as a protective mechanism to isolate damaged tissue and maintain blood-brain barrier integrity, but can also contribute to scar formation that impedes repair. Astrogliosis can range from mild activation to severe scarring and is associated with virtually all neurological diseases including stroke, trauma, infection, and neurodegeneration. The severity and pattern of astrogliosis often reflect the nature and extent of underlying pathology.
Usage
Usage note: More specific than general term 'reactive gliosis'.
In Context
- "Marked astrogliosis was present in the cortical gray matter adjacent to the infarct." — Stroke pathology report
- "The degree of astrogliosis correlated with the severity of neuronal loss." — Neurodegenerative disease study