ISCEMIC STROKE from Pathophysiology to Cell Death (Necrosis and Apoptosis) and Astrocytes as Targets of Neuroprotectors

Decreased blood flow to the brain causes the death of all brain cells in the ischemic core area, including neurons and astrocytes, but in ischemic penumbra astrocytes can last longer. The penumbra ischemic area is an area that is anatomically still good, but its function is impaired. Brain cell death in ischemic stroke can occur through several mechanisms, but brain cell death in ischemic penumbra is through apoptosis. Many factors play a role in brain cell death, one of which is astrocytes. Astrocytes not only play a role in brain cell death, but also play a role in maintaining brain cell homeostasis through anti-excitotoxic effects, antioxidants, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, nerve cell regeneration, and nerve cell metabolism. Stroke therapy is aimed at salvaging the ischemic penumbra, with astrocytes as the target of neuroprotection. Based on these circumstances, this monograph will be able to provide an understanding of the pathophysiology of stroke, as well as the role of astrocytes as protection against conditions that cause brain cell death, especially in ischemic stroke.