CNS injuries trigger a cascade of cellular responses aimed at limiting damage and promoting repair. These responses include:
1. Microglial Activation: Microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS. Upon injury, they become activated, change morphology, and release cytokines to mediate inflammation and phagocytosis. 2. Astrocyte Reactivity: [Astrocytes](href) become reactive and undergo hypertrophy, increasing the production of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). They form a glial scar that isolates the injury but may also impede axonal regeneration. 3. Oligodendrocyte Response: [Oligodendrocytes](href), responsible for myelination in the CNS, may undergo apoptosis in response to injury, leading to demyelination and impaired signal transmission.
