Enriched environment and physical activity reverse astrogliodegeneration in the hippocampus of AD transgenic mice

Astrocytes, being the principal cellular component of homoeostatic system of the central nervous system, are involved in numerous physiological functions, including maintenance of synaptic connectivity, plasticity and survival, and facilitating synaptogenesis. In many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), astrocytes undergo complex morphological and functional modifications, manifested by both degenerative and reactive changes. 1 , 2