Open AccessInflammation and Stroke: Putative Role for Cytokines, Adhesion Molecules and iNOS in Brain Response to Ischemia
Author(s) -
Zoppo Gregory,
Ginis Irene,
Hallenbeck John M.,
Iadecola Constantino,
Wang Xinkang,
Feuerstein Giora Z.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
brain pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.986
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1750-3639
pISSN - 1015-6305
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2000.tb00247.x
Subject(s) - neuroprotection , inflammation , stroke (engine) , neuroscience , nitric oxide , ischemia , medicine , cell adhesion molecule , pharmacology , immunology , biology , mechanical engineering , engineering
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in developed countries. Yet, in spite of substantial research and development efforts, no specific therapy for stroke is available. Several mechnism for neuroprotection have been explored including ionchannels, excitatory amino acids and oxygen raicals yet none has culminated in an effective therapeutic effect. The review article on “inflammation and stroke” summarizes key data in support for the possibility that inflammatory cells and mediators are important contributing and confounding factors in ischemic brain injury. In particular, the role of cytokines, endothelial cells and leukocyte adhesion molecules, nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase (COX‐2) products are discussed. Furthermore, the potential role for certain cytokines in modulation of brain vulnerability to ischemia is also reviewed.The data suggest that novel therapeutic strategies may evolve from detailed research on some specific inflammatory factors that act in spatial and temporal relationships with traditionally recognized neurotoxic factors. The dual nature of some mediators in reformatting of brain cells for resistance or sensitivity to injury demonstrate the delicate balance needed in interventions based on anti‐inflammatory strategies.