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Eye-Tracking Control to Assess Cognitive Functions in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: October 13, 2016
Functional microglia neurotransmitters in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Cinzia Volonté1, Susanna Amadio2, Paola Fabbrizio3
1CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Preclinical Neuroscience, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
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.
Insights
Microglia play dual roles in neurodegenerative diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Targeting neurotransmitter receptors on these immune cells may enhance their protective functions and reduce toxicity in ALS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimmunology
- Neuroinflammation
Background:
- Microglia are crucial in the central nervous system (CNS) and are implicated in neuroinflammatory conditions.
- In neurodegenerative disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), microglia exhibit both neuroprotective and neurotoxic roles.
- Microglia activation and microgliosis are key pathogenic mechanisms in CNS diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the activation and function of microglia in ALS.
- To explore the role of neurotransmitters in the pathological signature of ALS microglia.
- To review potential therapeutic strategies targeting microglial neurotransmitter receptors.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microglia in ALS.
- Analysis of neurotransmitter receptor expression on ALS microglia.
- Discussion of the impact of receptor modulation on microglial function.
Main Results:
- ALS microglia express receptors for extracellular ATP, glutamate, and histamine.
- Modulation of these neurotransmitter receptors can yield beneficial effects in ALS models.
- Evidence suggests a shift from neuroprotective to neurotoxic functions during ALS progression.
Conclusions:
- Microglia possess a complex role in ALS, with potential for both harm and benefit.
- Targeting specific neurotransmitter receptors on microglia offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Enhancing the neuroprotective properties of microglia may mitigate ALS progression.
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