Change and role of astrocyte in cerebral ischemia

Astrocytes,the major glial cells in the central nervous system,proliferate and hypertrophy,expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin significantly increase in cerebral ischemia.Astrocytes have a stronger tolerance in ischemia and protect neurons through multiple pathways.On the other hand,astrocytes injure neuron by releasing excitatory amino acids, inflammatory mediators and decreasing gap junction.Therefore,astrocyte has a dual role in ischemic injury.Clarifying the role of astrocyte in cerebral ischemia and its mechanism may provide a novel target for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.