Astrogliosis 1258187 211694433 2008-05-11T17:52:46Z Onthevirge 5533475 added link to 'Glial scar' article {{Merge|gliosis|date=December 2007}} Astrocytosis ('''astrogliosis''') is an abnormal increase in the number of [[astrocyte]]s due to the destruction of nearby [[neurons]], typically because of [[hypoglycemia]] or oxygen deprivation ([[Hypoxia (medical)|hypoxia]]). It usually takes place in prion infections. It is especially prevalent in [[fatal familial insomnia]], a prion infection affecting the thalamus and circadian rhythms. This manifests as astrocytic [[edema]], [[Organ hypertrophy|hypertrophy]], proliferation, and increased motility. In the [[central nervous system]], the proliferation of reactive astrocytes also leads to the formation of a [[glial scar]]. [[Category:Nervous system]] [[Category:Histopathology]] {{pathology-stub}}