ROCK inhibition with Y27632 promotes the proliferation and cell cycle progression of cultured astrocyte from spinal cord

► ROCK inhibition by Y27632 can promote the proliferation of astrocytes from spinal cord. ► Y27632 led to an increase in the expression of cyclin D1, CDK 4 and cyclinE of astrocytes. ► Y27632 induced astrocyte proliferation was modulated through the ERK signaling cascade.