Astrocyte reactivity and reactive astrogliosis: costs and benefits

M Pekny, M Pekna - Physiological reviews, 2014 - journals.physiology.org
Physiological reviews, 2014journals.physiology.org
Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that provide
nutrients, recycle neurotransmitters, as well as fulfill a wide range of other homeostasis
maintaining functions. During the past two decades, astrocytes emerged also as
increasingly important regulators of neuronal functions including the generation of new
nerve cells and structural as well as functional synapse remodeling. Reactive gliosis or
reactive astrogliosis is a term coined for the morphological and functional changes seen in …
Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that provide nutrients, recycle neurotransmitters, as well as fulfill a wide range of other homeostasis maintaining functions. During the past two decades, astrocytes emerged also as increasingly important regulators of neuronal functions including the generation of new nerve cells and structural as well as functional synapse remodeling. Reactive gliosis or reactive astrogliosis is a term coined for the morphological and functional changes seen in astroglial cells/astrocytes responding to CNS injury and other neurological diseases. Whereas this defensive reaction of astrocytes is conceivably aimed at handling the acute stress, limiting tissue damage, and restoring homeostasis, it may also inhibit adaptive neural plasticity mechanisms underlying recovery of function. Understanding the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in the healthy and diseased CNS will undoubtedly contribute to the development of treatment strategies that will, in a context-dependent manner and at appropriate time points, modulate reactive astrogliosis to promote brain repair and reduce the neurological impairment.
American Physiological Society