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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
11:25
Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes
Published on: January 19, 2013
Astrocytes: biology and pathology
Michael V Sofroniew1, Harry V Vinters
1Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, USA. sofroniew@mednet.ucla.edu
Acta Neuropathologica
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Astrocytes, crucial for brain health, become reactive after injury, forming glial scars. This reactive astrogliosis can contribute to central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Astrocytes are abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) with vital functions.
- Reactive astrogliosis, a response to CNS injury, is a hallmark of lesions.
- Recent advances illuminate astrocyte roles in CNS disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review astrocyte functions in healthy CNS.
- To explore mechanisms and functions of reactive astrogliosis and glial scar formation.
- To define the role of reactive astrocytes in CNS disorders and lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on astrocyte biology and pathology.
- Analysis of findings from transgenic mouse models of reactive astrocytosis.
- Integration of clinicopathological data on astrocyte involvement in diseases.
Main Results:
- Reactive astrogliosis is a complex, context-dependent continuum, not a simple response.
- Changes in astrocytes range from reversible alterations to permanent glial scar formation.
- Reactive astrocytes can contribute to CNS disorders through altered functions or detrimental effects.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes play multifaceted roles in both healthy and diseased CNS.
- Understanding reactive astrogliosis is key to addressing CNS pathologies.
- Targeting astrocyte responses may offer therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.
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