Lecture 22: Neuroinflammation Flashcards
1
Q
What are the cells in the brain involved in neuroinflammation?
A
Astrocytes - Innate immune response
Microglia - Innate immune response
Etc…
Can also get infiltration of adaptive immune response cells (T and B cells)
2
Q
Describe the involvement of astrocytes in inflammatiomn:
A
- Play important physiological roles in brain function and in brain pathology - form scars; immune activation
- Can release pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules
- Can also phagocytose
- Can present antigen to activate the adaptive immune system
3
Q
Describe the function of microglia in inflammation:
A
- Surveyors of the brains micro-environment
- Resident macrophages of the brain
- Antigen presentation
4
Q
Describe the role of microglial phagocytosis:
A
- Removal of apoptotic debris, developing synapses, toxic chemicals i.e amyloid, removal of dying / dead apoptotic neurons
- Generally thought to be a helpful process removing potentially harmful material without immune activation
- Potentially exacerbates brain disease
5
Q
What are the activators of neuroinflammation?
A
- Toxic proteins
- Infectious agents
- Myelin (MS)
- Systemic inflammation and infections
6
Q
What are the molecules involved in NI?
A
- Cyotkines
- Chemokines
- (astrocytes and microglia are both APC)
7
Q
What brain diseases involve neuroinflammation?
A
- PD
- HDD
- Alzhiemers
- MND
- HIV dementia
8
Q
What are the clinical implications of neuroinflammation?
A
- Restrospective studies have suggested that people on NSAID over long term had lower incidence of AD and PD
.. still unclear
9
Q
Can drugs targeting microglia and astrocytes reduce NI?
A
Undecided, being actively tested
10
Q
What are some other sources of neuroinflammation?
A
Meningeal inflammation Choroid plexus Blood based issues; - Endothelial cells - Pericytes
