Astrocyte loss and astrogliosis in neuroinflammatory disorders.

Authors :: Hostenbach S
Cambron M
D'haeseleer M
Kooijman R
De Keyser J
Source :: Neuroscience letters [Neurosci Lett] 2014 Apr 17; Vol. 565, pp. 39-41. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Oct 12.
Publication Year :: 2014
Abstract: Neuroinflammation can lead to either damage of astrocytes or astrogliosis. Astrocyte loss may be caused by cytotoxic T cells as seen in Rasmussen encephalitis, auto-antibodies such as in neuromyelitis optica (aquaporin-4 antibodies), or cytokines such as TNF-α in major depressive disorder. Interleukins-1 and -6 appear to be important molecular mediators of astrogliosis. Chronic focal lesions in multiple sclerosis are characterized by a very dense astrogliosis. Other mechanisms, such as astrocytic β2 adrenergic receptor deficiency, upregulation of endothelin-1 and tissue transglutaminase, may contribute to astroglial scarring in multiple sclerosis.<br /> (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)