Alzheimer disease (AD) is a major cause of dementia. Several mechanisms have been postulated to explain its pathogenesis, beta-amyloid (A beta toxicity, cholinergic dysfunction, Tau hyper-phosphorylation, oxidative damage, synaptic dysfunction and inflammation secondary to senile plaques, among others. Glial cells are the major producers of inflammatory mediators, and cytotoxic activation of gl...

Microglia play a crucial role in the maintenance of neuronal homeostasis in the central nervous system, and microglia production of immune factors is believed to play an important role in nociceptive transmission. There is increasing evidence that uncontrolled activation of microglial cells under neuropathic pain conditions induces the release of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin - IL-1bet...

PURPOSE Glial cells are structurally and functionally linked to neuronal tissues. Pathologically, the cells may be activated and characterized by increased size and number and altered cellular properties. In glaucoma, pathologic mechanisms within the anterior optic nerve may include glial activation. This study examines morphologic changes of glial cells in the retinas of glaucomatous eyes comp...

Nitric oxide (NO) participates in neuronal lesions in the digestive form of Chagas disease and the proximity of parasitised glial cells and neurons in damaged myenteric ganglia is a frequent finding. Glial cells have crucial roles in many neuropathological situations and are potential sources of NO. Here, we investigate peripheral glial cell response to Trypanosoma cruzi infection to clarify th...

Traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes morbidity and mortality throughout world. Its increasing incidence, in addition to its fundamental role development neurodegenerative disease, proves especially concerning. Despite extensive preclinical clinical studies, researchers have yet identify a safe effective neuroprotective strategy. Following trauma, secondary from molecular, metabol...

Several mechanisms are associated with brain dysfunction during sepsis; one of the most important are activation of microglia and astrocytes. Activation of glial cells induces changes in permeability of the blood-brain barrier, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and these alterations could induce neuronal dysfunction. Furthermore, blood-borne leukocytes can also reach the brain and participat...