Reactive astrogliosis is a process by which astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the central nervous system, respond to injury, inflammation, or disease. It is a complex cellular reaction that involves a range of morphological and functional changes in astrocytes and plays a key role in the response to various forms of neural injury and disease.

During reactive astrogliosis, astrocytes undergo hypertrophy, which involves the enlargement of cell bodies and processes, and proliferation, which involves the division and multiplication of cells. These changes are accompanied by alterations in the expression of various genes and proteins involved in cell signaling, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodeling.

Reactive astrogliosis can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on neural tissue. On the one hand, it can promote the repair of damaged tissue by providing structural support, promoting angiogenesis, and releasing factors that promote neuronal survival and regeneration. On the other hand, it can also contribute to the formation of glial scars, which can inhibit neuronal regeneration and functional recovery.

Reactive astrogliosis has been implicated in a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in reactive astrogliosis may provide insights into the pathogenesis of these disorders and lead to the development of new therapies.