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Reactive glia as rivals in regulating neuronal survival
1Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
Glia
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Microglia release neurotoxic factors, while astroglia provide neuron survival factors after central nervous system (CNS) injury. This suggests a competition between glial cells that impacts neuronal survival and neurological recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Neuroinflammation
Background:
- Reactive gliosis is a common response to central nervous system (CNS) injury, involving activated microglia and astroglia.
- The precise role of reactive glia in neuronal survival following CNS damage is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of microglial and astroglial secretion products on neuronal survival.
- To determine the differential effects of microglia and astroglia on damaged neural tissues.
Main Methods:
- Cultured neurons were exposed to secretion products from isolated microglia and astroglia.
- Analysis of soluble factor production in both microglia-rich and astroglia-rich regions of rat neocortex following ischemia.
Main Results:
- Microglia secrete neurotoxic agents that can harm neurons.
- Astroglia secrete neuronotrophic factors that support neuronal survival.
- Similar patterns of differential factor production were observed in ischemic rat neocortex.
Conclusions:
- Microglia and astroglia appear to compete in regulating neuronal survival after CNS injury.
- Microglial-derived neurotoxins may impede neurological recovery in inflammatory CNS conditions.