ASTROGLIOSIS AND THE GLIAL SCAR: THE DUAL ROLE OF REACTIVE ASTROCYTES IN CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM PATHOLOGY

Samir Azis Al-Maktab, Khalil Omar Al-Haddad, Abu Ghasan Mirza

Abstract


Astrogliosis is the ubiquitous and complex cellular response of the central nervous system (CNS) to a wide array of insults, including trauma, ischemia, and neurodegeneration. Often viewed through the lens of the "glial scar," this process involves a spectrum of changes in astrocytes that serve to isolate damaged tissue and preserve the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The hallmark of astrogliosis is the transition of astrocytes from a quiescent state to a reactive phenotype. This is characterized by the upregulation of intermediate filaments, specifically Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), and the hypertrophy of cellular processes. While initially neuroprotective by sequestering toxic inflammatory cells, the chronic formation of a mature glial scar creates a dense physical and chemical barrier. This environment is rich in Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans (CSPGs), which actively inhibit axonal regeneration and functional rewiring. In conditions such as spinal cord injury (SCI) and focal brain contusions, astrogliosis is the primary impediment to neural repair. Conversely, a failure of the astrogliotic response can lead to unchecked inflammation and widespread tissue death. Understanding the temporal dynamics of astrogliosis is critical for developing future therapies. Current research focuses on modulating rather than eliminating the glial response, aiming to retain its protective qualities while neutralizing its inhibitory effects on neuroplasticity.

 

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Keywords


astrogliosis; reactive astrocytes; glial scar; GFAP; neuroinflammation; axonal regeneration; chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v8i4.238

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