Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026
08:52
Neuron-Macrophage Co-cultures to Activate Macrophages Secreting Molecular Factors with Neurite Outgrowth Activity
Published on: March 30, 2018
9.3K
Hormesis mediates dose-sensitive shifts in macrophage activation patterns
Edward J Calabrese1, James J Giordano2, Walter J Kozumbo3
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
Pharmacological Research
|October 17, 2018
Summary
Macrophages shift between pro- and anti-inflammatory states, a process influenced by various agents and exhibiting hormesis. This demonstrates hormesis
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Macrophages are key immune cells that polarize to pro- or anti-inflammatory states.
- This polarization is an adaptive response to biological threats, involving pro-oxidative mechanisms for defense and repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose-dependent effects of various agents on macrophage polarization.
- To explore the relationship between macrophage activation states and hormesis.
- To examine the role of preconditioning-induced hormesis in macrophage-mediated tissue protection.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of macrophages to diverse pharmacological, chemical, and physical agents.
- Analysis of dose-response relationships for macrophage activation states.
- Assessment of preconditioning effects on macrophage polarization and tissue protection.
Main Results:
- Diverse agents induce dose-dependent shifts in macrophage polarization between pro- and anti-inflammatory states.
- These shifts exhibit biphasic dose-response curves, characteristic of hormesis.
- Preconditioning, a form of hormesis, promotes anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization for tissue protection.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage polarization is a versatile adaptive mechanism.
- Hormesis, characterized by biphasic dose-responses, governs macrophage activation by various agents.
- Hormetic principles extend to macrophage activation, with implications for biology, medicine, and public health.
Related Concept Videos
01:06Fixed Action Patterns
17.7K
A fixed action pattern (FAP) is a specific, hard-wired sequence of behaviors that occurs in response to an external stimulus, called a sign stimulus. The behavior is “fixed” because it is essentially unchangeable—proceeding similarly across individuals of a species every time it occurs.
17.7K
01:21Dose Size and Dosing Frequency: Determination Methods
302
Determining the optimal dose size and dosing frequency in pharmacotherapy is crucial for achieving therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects. This article explores the methodologies employed in determining these parameters, focusing on their significance and interplay to tailor dosing regimens.Dose Size: Dose size refers to the amount of a drug administered in a single dose. It is determined based on the drug's pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics properties and...
302
01:25Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Loading and Maintenance Doses
238
A loading dose is an essential pharmacological strategy to rapidly achieve the target plasma drug concentration necessary for an immediate therapeutic effect. This approach is especially critical for drugs characterized by slow absorption or extended half-lives, where delaying therapeutic plasma levels could compromise treatment outcomes. By administering a loading dose, clinicians ensure a prompt onset of drug action, even for agents with complex pharmacokinetic profiles.Achieving steady-state...
238
01:24Rational Dosage Regimen: Maintenance Dose and Loading Dose
5.5K
A rational dosage regimen considers a drug's pharmacokinetics, including its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination from the body. By understanding these factors, the appropriate dosage can be determined, and the dosing schedule can be designed to achieve and maintain the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing adverse effects.
In most cases, drugs are administered repetitively or infused continuously to maintain a steady-state concentration in the body. At a steady...
In most cases, drugs are administered repetitively or infused continuously to maintain a steady-state concentration in the body. At a steady...
5.5K
01:39Receptor-mediated Endocytosis
110.9K
Overview
110.9K
01:26Patterns of Fever
3.9K
Before understanding the types and patterns of fever, it is essential to know its phases.
3.9K