Alzheimer type II astrocyte

[3] Alzheimer type II astrocytosis occurs when the astrocyte cell is swollen and exhibits a large nucleus along with a significant nucleolus.

[5] Alzheimer type II astrocytes may be found in both cortical and subcortical areas, including the brain stem, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and thalamus.

[9] The presence of Alzheimer type II astrocytes is a key indicator of hepatic encephalopathy, and may be induced by increased bodily ammonia.

[10] In hepatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer type II astrocytes are characterized by thin chromatin and increased glycogen levels.

[5] The origin of Alzheimer type II astrocytes is unclear, although they are known to arise from astroglial cells in the development of Wilson's disease.

[4] Swelling occurs in these astrocytes due to the increased intracellular glutamine levels which induces osmotic stress on the cell and results in edema.

[13] This area has not been fully researched yet, and more information about the mechanism by which glutamine creates radicals in the brain and the effect that this has on edema must be elucidated.