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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
A Preclinical Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Hemorrhage Contusion and Neuroinflammation
Published on: June 10, 2020
Microglia: A Double-Edged Sword in Intracerebral Hemorrhage From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Research
Jiachen Liu1, Lirong Liu2, Xiaoyu Wang1
1Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Changsha, China.
Abstract:
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). It is well established that microglia are activated and polarized to acquire different inflammatory phenotypes, either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory phenotypes, which act as a critical component in the neuroinflammation following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Microglia produce pro-inflammatory mediators at the early stages after ICH onset, anti-inflammatory microglia with neuroprotective effects appear to be suppressed. Previous research found that driving microglia towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype could restrict inflammation and engulf cellular debris. The principal objective of this review is to analyze the phenotypes and dynamic profiles of microglia as well as their shift in functional response following ICH. The results may further the understanding of the body's self-regulatory functions involving microglia following ICH. On this basis, suggestions for future clinical development and research are provided.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, shift inflammatory phenotypes after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Understanding these microglia dynamics offers insights into neuroinflammation and potential therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are the central nervous system's (CNS) resident immune cells.
- Microglia exhibit diverse inflammatory phenotypes (pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory) crucial in neuroinflammation.
- Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) triggers complex microglial responses, with initial pro-inflammatory mediators dominating over suppressed neuroprotective anti-inflammatory phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze microglial phenotypes and dynamic profiles post-ICH.
- To investigate the functional shifts in microglia following intracerebral hemorrhage.
- To explore the body's self-regulatory mechanisms involving microglia after ICH.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microglial responses in intracerebral hemorrhage models.
- Analysis of studies detailing microglial activation states and polarization.
- Synthesis of research on the temporal dynamics of microglial phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Microglia adopt distinct pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes following ICH.
- Pro-inflammatory microglia are prominent early after ICH, while anti-inflammatory microglia are suppressed.
- Modulating microglia towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype shows potential for restricting inflammation and clearing debris.
Conclusions:
- Understanding microglial phenotype shifts is key to comprehending neuroinflammation after ICH.
- Targeting microglial polarization may offer therapeutic benefits for ICH recovery.
- Further research into microglial dynamics can guide future clinical strategies for brain injury.
