Astrocytes and Stroke: Networking for Survival?

摘要: Astrocytes are now known to be involved in the most integrated functions of central nervous system. These not only necessary for normally working brain but also critically many pathological conditions, including stroke. may contribute damage by propagating spreading depression or sending proapoptotic signals otherwise healthy tissue via gap junction channels. inhibit regeneration participating formation glial scar. On other hand, astrocytes important neuronal antioxidant defense and secrete growth factors, which probably provide neuroprotection acute phase, as well promoting neurogenesis chronic phase after injury. A detailed understanding astrocytic response, timing location changes, is develop effective treatment strategies stroke patients.