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Show 79 Discussion Neuropathology is inextricably coupled with reactive astrocytosis, which is characterized by pronounced alterations in astrocytic morphology, protein expression patterns and function. Due to the intimate anatomical relationship between astrocytes and neurons, these alterations could significantly impact neuronal network dynamics. Although associated with many benefits, in some cases, reactive astrocytosis may impede full recovery of damaged networks or even induce alternative neuropathology (Sofroniew, 2009). Thus, its role as a net positive or negative process has often been debated (Sofroniew, 2005). During the acute phase of neuropathology, reactive astrocytosis serves the purpose of protecting important brain functions while limiting the spatial extent of the insult. As a result, sacrifices to full recovery of neuronal network architecture are permitted which may negatively impact chronic network function or predispose the brain to subsequent complications (Robel et al., 2015). Thus, it is possible that strategic manipulation of reactive astrocyte function could improve outcome for many neurological disorders either by promoting the beneficial aspects of or by inhibiting the detrimental aspects of reactive astrocytosis. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of reactive astrocytosis with respect to the dimensions of location, disease progression and disease quality will encourage future development of novel approaches to preventing and treating neurological disease. Many neuropathologies are accompanied by a significant immunological component (Denes and Miyan, 2014). Astrocytes are an important effector of immunological processes in the brain (Sofroniew, 2015) and become reactive in response to systemic inflammation, such as during endotoxemia. Functional changes in endotoxemia-induced reactive astrocytosis are not well understood, in large part due to |
