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Published on: June 15, 2019
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Sepsis-associated neuroinflammation in the spinal cord
Akiko Hirotsu1, Mariko Miyao1, Kenichiro Tatsumi1
1Department of Anesthesia, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.
Plos One
|June 13, 2022
Summary
Sepsis triggers spinal cord neuroinflammation, activating microglia and increasing inflammatory cytokines. This leads to neuronal damage and edema in the spinal cord, impacting central nervous system function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Sepsis frequently causes central nervous system (CNS) disorders like delirium.
- Neuroinflammation is the primary suspected mechanism for sepsis-induced brain dysfunction.
- The spinal cord's response to sepsis remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular and immunohistochemical changes in the spinal cord during sepsis.
- To determine if sepsis induces neuroinflammation in the spinal cord.
Main Methods:
- Mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to model sepsis.
- Spinal cord tissue was analyzed for molecular and cellular changes.
- Key markers included pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and glial cell activation (microglia, astrocytes).
Main Results:
- LPS administration rapidly induced pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA in the spinal cord.
- Significant microglial activation and increased cell numbers were observed.
- Neuronal ischemic damage, particularly in gray matter, and white matter edema were evident 24 hours post-LPS.
Conclusions:
- Sepsis induces acute neuroinflammation within the spinal cord.
- Microglial activation and cytokine upregulation are key features of sepsis-induced spinal cord injury.
- These inflammatory changes result in significant neuronal ischemia and edema, affecting spinal cord function.
