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Interaction between neurone and microglia mediated by platelet‐activating factor
Author(s) -
Aihara Makoto,
Ishii Satoshi,
Kume Kazuhiko,
Shimizu Takao
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
genes to cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1365-2443
pISSN - 1356-9597
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2443.2000.00333.x
Subject(s) - microglia , chemotaxis , biology , platelet activating factor , microbiology and biotechnology , receptor , intracellular , stimulation , protein kinase a , pertussis toxin , signal transduction , kinase , biochemistry , inflammation , immunology , neuroscience , g protein
Background Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is a potent phospholipid mediator that plays various roles in neuronal function and brain development. The production and release of PAF in the brain has also been reported under various pathological conditions. However, neither the cell types and mechanism responsible for the synthesis of PAF nor its target cells have been fully identified. Results Using primary culture cells derived from rat brain and a very sensitive assay method for PAF, we found that PAF was synthesized in neurones following stimulation with glutamic acid. PAF synthesis required activation of NMDA receptors and subsequent elevation of intracellular calcium ions. Microglia, which express functional PAF receptors to a high level, showed a marked chemotactic response to PAF. This chemotaxis is a receptor‐mediated process, as microglia from PAF‐receptor‐deficient mice did not show such a response. The activation of a pertussis‐toxin‐sensitive G‐protein and mitogen‐activated protein kinase presumably plays a role in intracellular signalling leading to chemotaxis. Conclusions Considering the cytoprotective and cytotoxic roles of microglia, PAF functions as a key messenger in neurone–microglial interactions.