Open AccessSplenic Responses in Ischemic Stroke: New Insights into Stroke Pathology
Author(s) -
Liu ZongJian,
Chen Chen,
Li FengWu,
Shen JiaMei,
Yang YuanYuan,
Leak Rehana K.,
Ji XunMing,
Du HuiShan,
Hu XiaoMing
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
cns neuroscience and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1755-5949
pISSN - 1755-5930
DOI - 10.1111/cns.12361
Subject(s) - spleen , stroke (engine) , medicine , immune system , ischemic stroke , brain ischemia , brain damage , ischemia , neuroscience , pathology , immunology , psychology , mechanical engineering , engineering
Summary In the past decade, the significant contribution of the spleen to ischemic brain damage has gained considerable attention in stroke research. As the largest natural reservoir of immune cells, the spleen establishes critical connections with the ischemic brain during the progression of stroke and mobilizes its cells to the site of injury. Multiple “alarm” signals released from the injured brain are essential for the initiation of brain–spleen communication. Spleen‐derived cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes/macrophages, are known to contribute significantly to ischemic brain damage. Understanding the dynamic splenic responses to stroke will not only provide insights into the evolvement of ischemic brain injury but will also identify potential targets for stroke treatment. Here, we review recent studies on the functions of the spleen in ischemic stroke. We have included a discussion of several therapeutic strategies that target splenic responses and reduce acute ischemic brain damage in preclinical studies. Future investigations on the effects of the spleen on long‐term stroke recovery are highly warranted.