Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Astrocytes can proliferate as a result of trauma to the brain, such as occurs in a variety of diseases. Understanding the normal distribution of astrocytes is necessary before the extent of astrogliosis can be clearly determined. However, little is known about the normal distribution of GFAP+ astrocytes especially during development. This study examined distribution of GFAP+ astrocytes in regions of the cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem of adult and rat pup brains by immunocytochemistry using antibodies against GFAP. The findings showed a differential distribution of GFAP+ astrocytes in the rat brain. A paucity of GFAP expression was found in most regions of the normal adult rat brainstem, whereas GFAP+ astrocytes were abundantly distributed in all areas of the cortex and cerebellum. A similar regional heterogeneity in the distribution of GFAP+ astrocytes was seen in the neonatal rat brain. These findings suggest that the development of the differential pattern of GFAP+ astrocytes seen in the rat brain does not occur postnatally, but instead is present at birth and appears to be determined during fetal development.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
TAFT et al. (2005) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: