Induction of apoptotic cell death preferentially in reactive astrocytes by concanavalin A.

When central nervous system is injured, reactive astrocytes form glial scar which prevents neuronal regeneration. We examined the effects of concanavalin A (ConA) in primary astrocytes, and found preferential apoptotic effect of ConA in migrating reactive astrocytes. Thus, ConA may be applicable for enhancing neuronal regeneration by preventing glial scar.