This finding is in contrast to the notion that reactive astrocytes are important for neuroprotection in the ischemic penumbra, as evidenced by the decreased ability of GFAP-/-Vim-/- astrocytes to counteract hypoosmotic stress [25], by the reduced ability of GFAP-/-Vim-/- astrocytes to protect co-cultured neurons and to eliminate free oxygen species under oxygen and glucose deprivation and reperfusion [48], and by the lower survival of cells in the inner retina of GFAP-/-Vim-/- mice in a retinal ischemia-reperfusion model [49]. The gene discussed is VIM; the disease is retinal ischemia.