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Astrocyte Activation

Meaning

Astrocyte activation refers to the morphological, molecular, and functional changes in astrocytes, which are the most numerous glial cells in the central nervous system. This process is a common response to injury, disease, or physiological stress within the brain and spinal cord. Activated astrocytes can exhibit both beneficial neuroprotective roles and detrimental functions contributing to neuroinflammation and pathology. In the context of hormonal health, this activation can be linked to systemic inflammation and the neuroendocrine stress response.