Microglia and neuroprotection: From in vitro studies to therapeutic applications

The neuron-astrocyte-microglia triad in CA3 after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in the rat: Protective effect of dipyridamole

“…The fragmentation of ectopic neurons may be the consequence of the apoptotic process which these neurons were undertaking because of the ischemic state of the tissue after 2VO. Fragmentation of apoptotic neurons may be triggered or accelerated by astrocyte branches infiltrating the neuronal cell body, forming smaller debris ready for phagocytosis by microglia, as demonstrated in other models of neurodegeneration (Cerbai et al 2012;Huizinga et al 2012;Polazzi and Monti 2010). Thus, we hypothesize that it may represent a mechanism common to many neurodegenerative processes.…”

Neural inflammation and the microglial response in diabetic retinopathy

“…Because activated microglia are invariably associated with acute neural damage and with chronic neurodegeneration [6], it was surmised that these cells play a detrimental causal role in neuronal diseases [7,8]. In fact, the understanding of the role of microglia in both acute and chronic CNS diseases is evolving to consider that microglial activation often represents a beneficial adaptive response to damage that is directed toward eventual resolution of disorder [9][10][11]. The view of microglia has gone so far as to consider them as necessary contributors to neuronal homeostasis such that dysfunction of their protective and corrective abilities could be causal in neurodegeneration [10].…”

“…In fact, the understanding of the role of microglia in both acute and chronic CNS diseases is evolving to consider that microglial activation often represents a beneficial adaptive response to damage that is directed toward eventual resolution of disorder [9][10][11]. The view of microglia has gone so far as to consider them as necessary contributors to neuronal homeostasis such that dysfunction of their protective and corrective abilities could be causal in neurodegeneration [10]. However, it still seems probable that microglial activation may become maladaptive during chronic conditions that they did not evolve to cope with.…”

Modulation of Immunity and the Inflammatory Response: A New Target for Treating Drug-resistant Epilepsy

“…Microglia is part of a major class of glial cells and are a part of the brain’s immune system [77]. Glial cells monitor for signals from brain damage, such as that caused by seizures.…”