An increase in the number of astrocytes, frequently observed in an irregular, poorly or moderately well-defined zone adjacent to degenerative lesions ( e.g., encephalomalacia), focal inflammations ( e.g., abscesses), or certain neoplasms in the brain; in some instances, a. may be diffuse in a relatively large region; a. represents a reparative mechanism.
- a. cerebri SYN: gliomatosis cerebri.
* * *
as·tro·cy·to·sis (as″tro-si-toґsis) proliferation of astrocytes owing to the destruction of nearby neurons during a hypoxic or hypoglycemic episode. See also gliosis.Medical dictionary. 2011.