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Leavy A, Phelan J, Jimenez-Mateos EM. Contribution of microglia to the epileptiform activity that results from neonatal hypoxia. Neuropharmacology 2024; 253:109968. [PMID: 38692453 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Microglia are described as the immune cells of the brain, their immune properties have been extensively studied since first described, however, their neural functions have only been explored over the last decade. Microglia have an important role in maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system by surveying their surroundings to detect pathogens or damage cells. While these are the classical functions described for microglia, more recently their neural functions have been defined; they are critical to the maturation of neurons during embryonic and postnatal development, phagocytic microglia remove excess synapses during development, a process called synaptic pruning, which is important to overall neural maturation. Furthermore, microglia can respond to neuronal activity and, together with astrocytes, can regulate neural activity, contributing to the equilibrium between excitation and inhibition through a feedback loop. Hypoxia at birth is a serious neurological condition that disrupts normal brain function resulting in seizures and epilepsy later in life. Evidence has shown that microglia may contribute to this hyperexcitability after neonatal hypoxia. This review will summarize the existing data on the role of microglia in the pathogenesis of neonatal hypoxia and the plausible mechanisms that contribute to the development of hyperexcitability after hypoxia in neonates. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Microglia".
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Leavy
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jessie Phelan
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eva M Jimenez-Mateos
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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2
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Li X, Liu N, Wu D, Li SC, Wang Q, Zhang DW, Song LL, Huang M, Chen X, Li W. Hippocampal transcriptomic analyses reveal the potential antiapoptotic mechanism of a novel anticonvulsant agent Q808 on pentylenetetrazol-induced epilepsy in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116746. [PMID: 38739991 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain apoptosis is one of the main causes of epileptogenesis. The antiapoptotic effect and potential mechanism of Q808, an innovative anticonvulsant chemical, have never been reported. In this study, the seizure stage and latency to reach stage 2 of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure rat model treated with Q808 were investigated. The morphological change and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining, respectively. The hippocampal transcriptomic changes were observed using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The expression levels of hub genes were verified by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Results revealed that Q808 could allay the seizure score and prolong the stage 2 latency in seizure rats. The morphological changes of neurons and the number of apoptotic cells in the DG area were diminished by Q808 treatment. RNA-seq analysis revealed eight hub genes, including Map2k3, Nfs1, Chchd4, Hdac6, Siglec5, Slc35d3, Entpd1, and LOC103690108, and nine hub pathways among the control, PTZ, and Q808 groups. Hub gene Nfs1 was involved in the hub pathway sulfur relay system, and Map2k3 was involved in the eight remaining hub pathways, including Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Cellular senescence, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, GnRH signaling pathway, Influenza A, Rap1 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. qRT-PCR confirmed that the mRNA levels of these hub genes were consistent with the RNA-seq results. Our findings might contribute to further studies exploring the new apoptosis mechanism and actions of Q808.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Jilin Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130015, China
| | - Di Wu
- Jilin Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130015, China
| | - Shu Chang Li
- Jilin Cancer Hospital, ChangChun, Jilin 130012, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Jilin Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130015, China
| | - Dian-Wen Zhang
- Jilin Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130015, China
| | - Lian-Lian Song
- Jilin Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130015, China
| | - Min Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Jilin Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130015, China.
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Zheng H, Zhang C, Zhang J, Duan L. "Sentinel or accomplice": gut microbiota and microglia crosstalk in disorders of gut-brain interaction. Protein Cell 2023; 14:726-742. [PMID: 37074139 PMCID: PMC10599645 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal brain-gut interaction is considered the core pathological mechanism behind the disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), in which the intestinal microbiota plays an important role. Microglia are the "sentinels" of the central nervous system (CNS), which participate in tissue damage caused by traumatic brain injury, resist central infection and participate in neurogenesis, and are involved in the occurrence of various neurological diseases. With in-depth research on DGBI, we could find an interaction between the intestinal microbiota and microglia and that they are jointly involved in the occurrence of DGBI, especially in individuals with comorbidities of mental disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This bidirectional regulation of microbiota and microglia provides a new direction for the treatment of DGBI. In this review, we focus on the role and underlying mechanism of the interaction between gut microbiota and microglia in DGBI, especially IBS, and the corresponding clinical application prospects and highlight its potential to treat DGBI in individuals with psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cunzheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liping Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Beijing 100191, China
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4
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Hu Y, Yao Y, Qi H, Yang J, Zhang C, Zhang A, Liu X, Zhang C, Gan G, Zhu X. Microglia sense and suppress epileptic neuronal hyperexcitability. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106881. [PMID: 37541638 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, undertaking surveillance role and reacting to brain homeostasis and neurological diseases. Recent studies indicate that microglia modulate epilepsy-induced neuronal activities, however, the mechanisms underlying microglia-neuron communication in epilepsy are still unclear. Here we report that epileptic neuronal hyperexcitability activates microglia and drives microglial ATP/ADP hydrolyzing ectoenzyme CD39 (encoded by Entpd1) expression via recruiting the cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivator-1 (CRTC1) from cytoplasm to the nucleus and binding to CREB. Activated microglia in turn suppress epileptic neuronal hyperexcitability in a CD39 dependent manner. Disrupting microglial CREB/CRTC1 signaling, however, decreases CD39 expression and diminishes the inhibitory effect of microglia on epileptic neuronal hyperexcitability. Overall, our findings reveal CD39-dependent control of epileptic neuronal hyperexcitability by microglia is through an excitation-transcription coupling mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Honggang Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiurong Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Canyu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aifeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufang Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenchen Zhang
- Transmission Electron Microscopy Center, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangming Gan
- Transmission Electron Microscopy Center, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinjian Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Balbi M, Bonanno G, Bonifacino T, Milanese M. The Physio-Pathological Role of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Expressed by Microglia in Health and Disease with a Focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065240. [PMID: 36982315 PMCID: PMC10048889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia cells are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. They act as the first-line immune guardians of nervous tissue and central drivers of neuroinflammation. Any homeostatic alteration that can compromise neuron and tissue integrity could activate microglia. Once activated, microglia exhibit highly diverse phenotypes and functions related to either beneficial or harmful consequences. Microglia activation is associated with the release of protective or deleterious cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that can in turn determine defensive or pathological outcomes. This scenario is complicated by the pathology-related specific phenotypes that microglia can assume, thus leading to the so-called disease-associated microglia phenotypes. Microglia express several receptors that regulate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory features, sometimes exerting opposite actions on microglial functions according to specific conditions. In this context, group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are molecular structures that may contribute to the modulation of the reactive phenotype of microglia cells, and this is worthy of exploration. Here, we summarize the role of group I mGluRs in shaping microglia cells' phenotype in specific physio-pathological conditions, including some neurodegenerative disorders. A significant section of the review is specifically focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since it represents an entirely unexplored topic of research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Balashov AV, Pankov VG, Balashov VP, Shikhanov NP, Gushchina SV. Changes in the Neuronal Population of the Spinal Cord of Mice with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis as a Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 173:590-593. [PMID: 36210424 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We performed a quantitative study of the neuronal population in the spinal cord of mice with acute and chronic model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Immunohistological/immunofluorescent analysis with motor neuron marker ChAT revealed a significant decrease in the number of motor neurons in the ventral horns of the lumbar spinal cord in the acute form of autoimmune encephalomyelitis, with the further appearance of large empty (containing no motor neurons) areas in the ventral horns in the chronic form. The development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is accompanied by degradation and death of neurons, in particular ChAT+ motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Balashov
- Department of Cytology, Histology, and Embryology with Courses in Medical Biology and Molecular Biology of the Cell, N. P. Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Republic of Mordovia, Russia.
| | - V G Pankov
- Department of Cytology, Histology, and Embryology with Courses in Medical Biology and Molecular Biology of the Cell, N. P. Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Republic of Mordovia, Russia
| | - V P Balashov
- Department of Cytology, Histology, and Embryology with Courses in Medical Biology and Molecular Biology of the Cell, N. P. Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Republic of Mordovia, Russia
| | - N P Shikhanov
- Department of Normal and Pathological Anatomy with a Course of Forensic Medicine, N. P. Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Republic of Mordovia, Russia
| | - S V Gushchina
- Department of Cytology, Histology, and Embryology with Courses in Medical Biology and Molecular Biology of the Cell, N. P. Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Republic of Mordovia, Russia
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7
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Pottorf TS, Rotterman TM, McCallum WM, Haley-Johnson ZA, Alvarez FJ. The Role of Microglia in Neuroinflammation of the Spinal Cord after Peripheral Nerve Injury. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132083. [PMID: 35805167 PMCID: PMC9265514 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries induce a pronounced immune reaction within the spinal cord, largely governed by microglia activation in both the dorsal and ventral horns. The mechanisms of activation and response of microglia are diverse depending on the location within the spinal cord, type, severity, and proximity of injury, as well as the age and species of the organism. Thanks to recent advancements in neuro-immune research techniques, such as single-cell transcriptomics, novel genetic mouse models, and live imaging, a vast amount of literature has come to light regarding the mechanisms of microglial activation and alluding to the function of microgliosis around injured motoneurons and sensory afferents. Herein, we provide a comparative analysis of the dorsal and ventral horns in relation to mechanisms of microglia activation (CSF1, DAP12, CCR2, Fractalkine signaling, Toll-like receptors, and purinergic signaling), and functionality in neuroprotection, degeneration, regeneration, synaptic plasticity, and spinal circuit reorganization following peripheral nerve injury. This review aims to shed new light on unsettled controversies regarding the diversity of spinal microglial-neuronal interactions following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tana S. Pottorf
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (T.S.P.); (W.M.M.); (Z.A.H.-J.)
| | - Travis M. Rotterman
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA;
| | - William M. McCallum
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (T.S.P.); (W.M.M.); (Z.A.H.-J.)
| | - Zoë A. Haley-Johnson
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (T.S.P.); (W.M.M.); (Z.A.H.-J.)
| | - Francisco J. Alvarez
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (T.S.P.); (W.M.M.); (Z.A.H.-J.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Persistent cortical and white matter inflammation after therapeutic hypothermia for ischemia in near-term fetal sheep. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:139. [PMID: 35690757 PMCID: PMC9188214 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02499-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Therapeutic hypothermia significantly improves outcomes after moderate–severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), but it is partially effective. Although hypothermia is consistently associated with reduced microgliosis, it is still unclear whether it normalizes microglial morphology and phenotype. Methods Near-term fetal sheep (n = 24) were randomized to sham control, ischemia-normothermia, or ischemia-hypothermia. Brain sections were immunohistochemically labeled to assess neurons, microglia and their interactions with neurons, astrocytes, myelination, and gitter cells (microglia with cytoplasmic lipid granules) 7 days after cerebral ischemia. Lesions were defined as areas with complete loss of cells. RNAscope® was used to assess microglial phenotype markers CD86 and CD206. Results Ischemia-normothermia was associated with severe loss of neurons and myelin (p < 0.05), with extensive lesions, astrogliosis and microgliosis with a high proportion of gitter cells (p < 0.05). Microglial wrapping of neurons was present in both the ischemia groups. Hypothermia improved neuronal survival, suppressed lesions, gitter cells and gliosis (p < 0.05), and attenuated the reduction of myelin area fraction. The “M1” marker CD86 and “M2” marker CD206 were upregulated after ischemia. Hypothermia partially suppressed CD86 in the cortex only (p < 0.05), but did not affect CD206. Conclusions Hypothermia prevented lesions after cerebral ischemia, but only partially suppressed microglial wrapping and M1 marker expression. These data support the hypothesis that persistent upregulation of injurious microglial activity may contribute to partial neuroprotection after hypothermia, and that immunomodulation after rewarming may be an important therapeutic target.
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Kumagawa T, Moro N, Maeda T, Kobayashi M, Furukawa Y, Shijo K, Yoshino A. Anti-inflammatory effect of P2Y1 receptor blocker MRS2179 in a rat model of traumatic brain injury. Brain Res Bull 2022; 181:46-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Rotterman TM, Alvarez FJ. Microglia Dynamics and Interactions with Motoneurons Axotomized After Nerve Injuries Revealed By Two-Photon Imaging. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8648. [PMID: 32457369 PMCID: PMC7250868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of activated microglia around motoneurons axotomized after nerve injuries has been intensely debated. In particular, whether microglia become phagocytic is controversial. To resolve these issues we directly observed microglia behaviors with two-photon microscopy in ex vivo spinal cord slices from CX3CR1-GFP mice complemented with confocal analyses of CD68 protein. Axotomized motoneurons were retrogradely-labeled from muscle before nerve injuries. Microglia behaviors close to axotomized motoneurons greatly differ from those within uninjured motor pools. They develop a phagocytic phenotype as early as 3 days after injury, characterized by frequent phagocytic cups, high phagosome content and CD68 upregulation. Interactions between microglia and motoneurons changed with time after axotomy. Microglia first extend processes that end in phagocytic cups at the motoneuron surface, then they closely attach to the motoneuron while extending filopodia over the cell body. Confocal 3D analyses revealed increased microglia coverage of the motoneuron cell body surface with time after injury and the presence of CD68 granules in microglia surfaces opposed to motoneurons. Some microglia formed macroclusters associated with dying motoneurons. Microglia in these clusters display the highest CD68 expression and associate with cytotoxic T-cells. These observations are discussed in relation to current theories on microglia function around axotomized motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis M Rotterman
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, United States of America.,School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, 30318, United States of America
| | - Francisco J Alvarez
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, United States of America.
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Regulation of Microglial Functions by Purinergic Mechanisms in the Healthy and Diseased CNS. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051108. [PMID: 32365642 PMCID: PMC7290360 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), exist in a process-bearing, ramified/surveying phenotype under resting conditions. Upon activation by cell-damaging factors, they get transformed into an amoeboid phenotype releasing various cell products including pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, proteases, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, and the excytotoxic ATP and glutamate. In addition, they engulf pathogenic bacteria or cell debris and phagocytose them. However, already resting/surveying microglia have a number of important physiological functions in the CNS; for example, they shield small disruptions of the blood–brain barrier by their processes, dynamically interact with synaptic structures, and clear surplus synapses during development. In neurodegenerative illnesses, they aggravate the original disease by a microglia-based compulsory neuroinflammatory reaction. Therefore, the blockade of this reaction improves the outcome of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc. The function of microglia is regulated by a whole array of purinergic receptors classified as P2Y12, P2Y6, P2Y4, P2X4, P2X7, A2A, and A3, as targets of endogenous ATP, ADP, or adenosine. ATP is sequentially degraded by the ecto-nucleotidases and 5′-nucleotidase enzymes to the almost inactive inosine as an end product. The appropriate selective agonists/antagonists for purinergic receptors as well as the respective enzyme inhibitors may profoundly interfere with microglial functions and reconstitute the homeostasis of the CNS disturbed by neuroinflammation.
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12
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What Do Microglia Really Do in Healthy Adult Brain? Cells 2019; 8:cells8101293. [PMID: 31652490 PMCID: PMC6829860 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia originate from yolk sac-primitive macrophages and auto-proliferate into adulthood without replacement by bone marrow-derived circulating cells. In inflammation, stroke, aging, or infection, microglia have been shown to contribute to brain pathology in both deleterious and beneficial ways, which have been studied extensively. However, less is known about their role in the healthy adult brain. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are widely accepted to strongly contribute to the maintenance of brain homeostasis and to modulate neuronal function. On the other hand, contribution of microglia to cognition and behavior is only beginning to be understood. The ability to probe their function has become possible using microglial depletion assays and conditional mutants. Studies have shown that the absence of microglia results in cognitive and learning deficits in rodents during development, but this effect is less pronounced in adults. However, evidence suggests that microglia play a role in cognition and learning in adulthood and, at a cellular level, may modulate adult neurogenesis. This review presents the case for repositioning microglia as key contributors to the maintenance of homeostasis and cognitive processes in the healthy adult brain, in addition to their classical role as sentinels coordinating the neuroinflammatory response to tissue damage and disease.
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13
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Functional microglia neurotransmitters in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 94:121-128. [PMID: 31009755 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Today neuroscience is dominated by the perspective that microglia are essential elements in any integrated view of the nervous system. A number of different neuroinflammatory conditions affect the CNS where microglia involvement, and particularly microgliosis, is not only a prominent feature, but also a pathogenic key mechanism of disease. On the other side, microglia can also constitute an important trigger of neuronal protection during neurodegenerative disorders. For instance in ALS and other motor neuron diseases, available evidence suggests the coexistence of quite different roles for microglia, characterized by neuroprotective functions at early stages, and neurotoxic actions during disease progression. The scope of this review is a brief discussion about microglia being activated and functioning during ALS, and particularly about neurotransmitters participating to the pathological signature of ALS microglia. We will discuss that ALS microglia can express a variety of classical neurotransmitter receptors comprising those for extracellular ATP, glutamate and histamine. We will review data indicating that the modulation of these transmitter receptors may induce beneficial effects in ALS models, so that the protective properties of microglia can be emphasized at the expenses of their toxicity.
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Uweru JO, Eyo UB. A decade of diverse microglial-neuronal physical interactions in the brain (2008-2018). Neurosci Lett 2019; 698:33-38. [PMID: 30625349 PMCID: PMC6435396 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are unique cells of the central nervous system (CNS) with a distinct ontogeny and molecular profile. They are the predominant immune resident cell in the CNS. Recent studies have revealed a diversity of transient and terminal physical interactions between microglia and neurons in the vertebrate brain. In this review, we follow the historical trail of the discovery of these interactions, summarize their notable features, provide implications of these discoveries to CNS function, emphasize emerging themes along the way and peak into the future of what outstanding questions remain to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph O Uweru
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ukpong B Eyo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.
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15
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Manich G, Recasens M, Valente T, Almolda B, González B, Castellano B. Role of the CD200-CD200R Axis During Homeostasis and Neuroinflammation. Neuroscience 2018; 405:118-136. [PMID: 30367946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are considered to be the resident macrophages of the CNS and main effector of immune brain function. Due to their essential role in the regulation of neuroinflammatory response, microglia constitute an important target for neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. The communication between neurons and microglia contributes to a proper maintenance of homeostasis in the CNS. Research developed in the last decade has demonstrated that this interaction is mediated by "Off-signals" - molecules exerting immune inhibition - and "On signals" - molecules triggering immune activation. Among "Off signals", molecular pair CD200 and its CD200R receptor, expressed mainly in the membrane of neurons and microglia, respectively, have centered our attention due to its unexplored and powerful immunoregulatory functions. In this review, we will offer an updated global view of the CD200-CD200R role in the microglia-neuron crosstalk during homeostasis and neuroinflammation. Specifically, the effects of CD200-CD200R in the inhibition of pro-inflammatory microglial activation will be explained, and their involvement in other functions such as homeostasis preservation, tissue repair, and brain aging, among others, will be pointed out. In addition, we will depict the effects of CD200-CD200R uncoupling in the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we will explore how to translate the scientific evidence of CD200-CD200R interaction into possible clinical therapeutic strategies to tackle neuroinflammatory CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Manich
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Recasens
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tony Valente
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Almolda
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Berta González
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernardo Castellano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Gülke E, Gelderblom M, Magnus T. Danger signals in stroke and their role on microglia activation after ischemia. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756286418774254. [PMID: 29854002 PMCID: PMC5968660 DOI: 10.1177/1756286418774254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death. Besides the direct damage resulting from oxygen and glucose deprivation, sterile inflammation plays a pivotal role in increasing cellular death. Damaged-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are passively released from dying cells and activate the innate immune system. Thus, they take part in the direct and rapid activation of the inflammatory response after stroke onset. In this review the role of the most important DAMPs, high mobility group box 1, heat and cold shock proteins, purines, and peroxiredoxins, are addressed. Moreover, intracellular pathways activated by DAMPs in microglia are illuminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Gülke
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Gelderblom
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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17
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Setter DO, Runge EM, Schartz ND, Kennedy FM, Brown BL, McMillan KP, Miller WM, Shah KM, Haulcomb MM, Sanders VM, Jones KJ. Impact of peripheral immune status on central molecular responses to facial nerve axotomy. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 68:98-110. [PMID: 29030217 PMCID: PMC5767532 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
When facial nerve axotomy (FNA) is performed on immunodeficient recombinase activating gene-2 knockout (RAG-2-/-) mice, there is greater facial motoneuron (FMN) death relative to wild type (WT) mice. Reconstituting RAG-2-/- mice with whole splenocytes rescues FMN survival after FNA, and CD4+ T cells specifically drive immune-mediated neuroprotection. Evidence suggests that immunodysregulation may contribute to motoneuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Immunoreconstitution of RAG-2-/- mice with lymphocytes from the mutant superoxide dismutase (mSOD1) mouse model of ALS revealed that the mSOD1 whole splenocyte environment suppresses mSOD1 CD4+ T cell-mediated neuroprotection after FNA. The objective of the current study was to characterize the effect of CD4+ T cells on the central molecular response to FNA and then identify if mSOD1 whole splenocytes blocked these regulatory pathways. Gene expression profiles of the axotomized facial motor nucleus were assessed from RAG-2-/- mice immunoreconstituted with either CD4+ T cells or whole splenocytes from WT or mSOD1 donors. The findings indicate that immunodeficient mice have suppressed glial activation after axotomy, and cell transfer of WT CD4+ T cells rescues microenvironment responses. Additionally, mSOD1 whole splenocyte recipients exhibit an increased astrocyte activation response to FNA. In RAG-2-/- + mSOD1 whole splenocyte mice, an elevation of motoneuron-specific Fas cell death pathways is also observed. Altogether, these findings suggest that mSOD1 whole splenocytes do not suppress mSOD1 CD4+ T cell regulation of the microenvironment, and instead, mSOD1 whole splenocytes may promote motoneuron death by either promoting a neurotoxic astrocyte phenotype or inducing Fas-mediated cell death pathways. This study demonstrates that peripheral immune status significantly affects central responses to nerve injury. Future studies will elucidate the mechanisms by which mSOD1 whole splenocytes promote cell death and if inhibiting this mechanism can preserve motoneuron survival in injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah O. Setter
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Research and Development Service, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Elizabeth M. Runge
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Research and Development Service, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nicole D. Schartz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Felicia M. Kennedy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Research and Development Service, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Brandon L. Brown
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Kathryn P. McMillan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Research and Development Service, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Whitney M. Miller
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Research and Development Service, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Kishan M. Shah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Melissa M. Haulcomb
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Research and Development Service, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Virginia M. Sanders
- Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Karthryn J. Jones
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Research and Development Service, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN
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18
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Rodrigues-Neves AC, Aires ID, Vindeirinho J, Boia R, Madeira MH, Gonçalves FQ, Cunha RA, Santos PF, Ambrósio AF, Santiago AR. Elevated Pressure Changes the Purinergic System of Microglial Cells. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:16. [PMID: 29416510 PMCID: PMC5787565 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness worldwide and is characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve atrophy. Increased microglia reactivity is an early event in glaucoma that may precede the loss of RGCs, suggesting that microglia and neuroinflammation are involved in the pathophysiology of this disease. Although global changes of the purinergic system have been reported in experimental and human glaucoma, it is not known if this is due to alterations of the purinergic system of microglial cells, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. We now studied if elevated hydrostatic pressure (EHP), mimicking ocular hypertension, changed the extracellular levels of ATP and adenosine and the expression, density and activity of enzymes, transporters and receptors defining the purinergic system. The exposure of the murine microglial BV-2 cell line to EHP increased the extracellular levels of ATP and adenosine, increased the density of ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (E-NTPDase1, CD39) and decreased the density of the equilibrative nucleotide transporter 2 as well as the activity of adenosine deaminase. The expression of adenosine A1 receptor also decreased, but the adenosine A3 receptor was not affected. Notably, ATP and adenosine selectively control migration rather than phagocytosis, both bolstered by EHP. The results show that the purinergic system is altered in microglia in conditions of elevated pressure. Understanding the impact of elevated pressure on the purinergic system will help to unravel the mechanisms underlying inflammation and neurodegeneration associated with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Rodrigues-Neves
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês D Aires
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Vindeirinho
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Boia
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria H Madeira
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Q Gonçalves
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo F Santos
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António F Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana R Santiago
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
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19
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Villapol S, Loane DJ, Burns MP. Sexual dimorphism in the inflammatory response to traumatic brain injury. Glia 2017; 65:1423-1438. [PMID: 28608978 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The activation of resident microglial cells, alongside the infiltration of peripheral macrophages, are key neuroinflammatory responses to traumatic brain injury (TBI) that are directly associated with neuronal death. Sexual disparities in response to TBI have been previously reported; however it is unclear whether a sex difference exists in neuroinflammatory progression after TBI. We exposed male and female mice to moderate-to-severe controlled cortical impact injury and studied glial cell activation in the acute and chronic stages of TBI using immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization analysis. We found that the sex response was completely divergent up to 7 days postinjury. TBI caused a rapid and pronounced cortical microglia/macrophage activation in male mice with a prominent activated phenotype that produced both pro- (IL-1β and TNFα) and anti-inflammatory (Arg1 and TGFβ) cytokines with a single-phase, sustained peak from 1 to 7 days. In contrast, TBI caused a less robust microglia/macrophage phenotype in females with biphasic pro-inflammatory response peaks at 4 h and 7 days, and a delayed anti-inflammatory mRNA peak at 30 days. We further report that female mice were protected against acute cell loss after TBI, with male mice demonstrating enhanced astrogliosis, neuronal death, and increased lesion volume through 7 days post-TBI. Collectively, these findings indicate that TBI leads to a more aggressive neuroinflammatory profile in male compared with female mice during the acute and subacute phases postinjury. Understanding how sex affects the course of neuroinflammation following brain injury is a vital step toward developing personalized and effective treatments for TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Villapol
- Laboratory for Brain Injury and Dementia, Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - David J Loane
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Shock, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mark P Burns
- Laboratory for Brain Injury and Dementia, Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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20
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Nissen JC. Microglial Function across the Spectrum of Age and Gender. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030561. [PMID: 28273860 PMCID: PMC5372577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia constitute the resident immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system. Although much work has focused on their ability to mount an inflammatory response in reaction to pathology, recent studies have delved into their role in maintaining homeostasis in the healthy brain. It is important to note that the function of these cells is more complex than originally conceived, as there is increasing evidence that microglial responses can vary greatly among individuals. Here, this review will describe the changing behavior of microglia from development and birth through to the aged brain. Further, it is not only age that impacts the state of the neuroimmune milieu, as microglia have been shown to play a central role in the sexual differentiation of the brain. Finally, this review will discuss the implications this has for the differences in the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders between males and females, and between the young and old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian C Nissen
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, NY 11794-8651, USA.
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