Distribution of GFAP+ astrocytes in adult and neonatal rat brain.

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.