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Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Stereological and Flow Cytometry Characterization of Leukocyte Subpopulations in Models of Transient or Permanent Cerebral Ischemia
Published on: December 28, 2014
Neutrophil granulocytes in cerebral ischemia - Evolution from killers to key players
Jan-Kolja Strecker1, Antje Schmidt1, Wolf-Rüdiger Schäbitz2
1Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
Neutrophil granulocytes (or polymorphonuclear cells, PMNs) have long been considered as crude killing machines, particularly trained to attack bacterial or fungal pathogens in wounds or infected tissues. That perspective has fundamentally changed over the last decades, as PMNs have been shown to exert a livery exchange between other cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. PMNs do provide major immunomodulatory contribution during acute inflammation and subsequent clearance. Following sterile inflammation like cerebral ischemia, PMNs are among the first hematogenous cells attracted to the ischemic tissue. As inflammation is a crucial component within stroke pathophysiology, several studies regarding the role of PMNs following cerebral ischemia have been carried out. And indeed, recent research suggests a direct connection between PMNs' influx and brain damage severity. This review highlights the latest research regarding the close interconnection between PMNs and co-working cells following cerebral ischemia. We describe how PMNs are attracted to the site of injury and their tasks within the inflamed brain tissue and the periphery. We further report of new findings regarding the interaction of PMNs with resident microglia, immigrating macrophages and T cells after stroke. Finally, we discuss recent research results from experimental studies in the context with current clinical trials and point out potential new therapeutic applications that could emerge from this new knowledge on the action and interaction of PMNs following cerebral ischemia.
Insights
Neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs) are key immune cells in stroke, interacting with brain cells to influence damage. Understanding these interactions offers new therapeutic targets for cerebral ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Inflammation Research
- Stroke Pathophysiology
Background:
- Neutrophil granulocytes (polymorphonuclear cells, PMNs) were traditionally viewed as pathogen-fighting cells.
- Recent evidence shows PMNs play crucial immunomodulatory roles in acute inflammation and immune cell communication.
- PMNs are early responders to sterile inflammation, including cerebral ischemia, and their infiltration correlates with stroke severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the role and interactions of PMNs in cerebral ischemia.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of PMN attraction and function in inflamed brain tissue and the periphery.
- To explore the interplay between PMNs and other immune cells (microglia, macrophages, T cells) post-stroke.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent experimental studies and clinical trials.
- Analysis of PMN recruitment and function in the context of cerebral ischemia.
- Examination of PMN interactions with resident and infiltrating immune cells.
Main Results:
- PMNs are significantly involved in the inflammatory response following cerebral ischemia.
- PMN influx into the brain is linked to increased stroke-related brain damage.
- New insights reveal complex interactions between PMNs and microglia, macrophages, and T cells after stroke.
Conclusions:
- PMNs are critical players in stroke pathophysiology, beyond their traditional antimicrobial roles.
- Understanding PMN-immune cell crosstalk in cerebral ischemia is vital for developing targeted therapies.
- Further research into PMN functions and interactions may unlock novel therapeutic strategies for stroke patients.
