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Astrocyte-mediated inflammation in cortical spreading depression.
Amir Ghaemi1,2, Leila Alizadeh1, Shahnaz Babaei1
11 Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam-Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|April 5, 2017
Summary
Cortical spreading depression (CSD) triggers reactive astrocytosis by upregulating inflammatory markers in astrocytes. Targeting neuroinflammation may offer therapeutic strategies for CSD-related neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is implicated in neurological disorders like migraine and epilepsy.
- Reactive astrocytosis is observed in CSD-related diseases, but its mechanisms are unclear.
- CSD-induced inflammation is a potential contributor to reactive astrocytosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CSD-induced changes in astrocytes.
- To characterize the expression of inflammation markers following CSD.
- To explore the link between CSD, reactive astrocytosis, and neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ex vivo rat brain slices and in vitro astrocytic cultures.
- Induced CSD via KCl application and assessed changes using immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
- Analyzed astrocyte number, volume, and expression of inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, TNFα, TLR3, TLR4) and astrocytic markers.
Main Results:
- CSD increased astrocyte number and volume, but not neuronal parameters.
- Elevated expression of astrocytic and neuroinflammation markers was observed post-CSD.
- Cultured astrocytes showed increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and toll-like receptors.
Conclusions:
- CSD is associated with reactive astrocytosis and increased inflammatory marker expression.
- These findings suggest a strong link between CSD-induced inflammation and astrocytic changes.
- Immunomodulatory treatments targeting inflammation could be beneficial for CSD-related conditions.