scholarly journals Activation of microglial GLP-1R in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis suppresses central sensitization of chronic migraine after recurrent nitroglycerin stimulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Jing ◽  
Qian Zou ◽  
Yangyang Wang ◽  
Zhiyou Cai ◽  
Yong Tang
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Migraine ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Central Sensitization ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Trigeminal Nucleus ◽  
Trigeminal Nucleus Caudalis ◽  
Tnf Α

Abstract Background Central sensitization is considered a critical pathogenic mechanism of chronic migraine (CM). Activation of microglia in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) contributes to this progression. Microglial glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation can alleviate pain; however, whether it is involved in the mechanism of CM has not been determined. Thus, this study aims to investigate the precise role of GLP-1R in the central sensitization of CM. Methods Repeated nitroglycerin injection-treated mice were used as a CM animal model in the experiment. To identify the distribution and cell localization of GLP-1R in the TNC, we performed immunofluorescence staining. Changes in the expression of GLP-1R, Iba-1, PI3K and p-Akt in the TNC were examined by western blotting. To confirm the effect of GLP-1R and PI3K/Akt in CM, a GLP-1R selective agonist (liraglutide) and antagonist (exendin(9–39)) and a PI3K selective antagonist (LY294002) were administered. Mechanical hypersensitivity was measured through von Frey filaments. To investigate the role of GLP-1R in central sensitization, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and c-fos were determined using western blotting and immunofluorescence. To determine the changes in microglial activation, IL-1β and TNF-α were examined by western blotting, and the number and morphology of microglia were measured by immunofluorescence. We also confirmed the effect of GLP-1R on microglial activation in lipopolysaccharide-treated BV-2 microglia. Results The protein expression of GLP-1R was increased in the TNC after nitroglycerin injection. GLP-1R was colocalized with microglia and astrocytes in the TNC and was fully expressed in BV-2 microglia. The GLP-1R agonist liraglutide alleviated basal allodynia and suppressed the upregulation of CGRP, c-fos and PI3K/p-Akt in the TNC. Similarly, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 prevented nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia. In addition, activating GLP-1R reduced Iba-1, IL-1β and TNF-α release and inhibited TNC microglial number and morphological changes (process retraction) following nitroglycerin administration. In vitro, the protein levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 microglia were also decreased by liraglutide. Conclusions These findings suggest that microglial GLP-1R activation in the TNC may suppress the central sensitization of CM by regulating TNC microglial activation via the PI3K/Akt pathway.

scholarly journals P2Y12 receptor mediates microglial activation via RhoA/ROCK pathway in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis in a mouse model of chronic migraine

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Jing ◽  
Yixin Zhang ◽  
Ting Long ◽  
Wei He ◽  
Guangcheng Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Migraine ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
P2y12 Receptor ◽  
Trigeminal Nucleus ◽  
Double Labeling ◽  
Trigeminal Nucleus Caudalis

Abstract Background Microglial activation contributes to the development of chronic migraine (CM). The P2Y12 receptor (P2Y12R), a metabolic purinoceptor that is expressed on microglia in the central nervous system (CNS), has been indicated to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. However, whether it contributes to the mechanism of CM remains unknown. Thus, the present study investigated the precise details of microglial P2Y12R involvement in CM. Methods Mice subjected to recurrent nitroglycerin (NTG) treatment were used as the CM model. Hyperalgesia were assessed by mechanical withdrawal threshold to electronic von Frey and thermal withdrawal latency to radiant heat. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses were employed to detect the expression of P2Y12R, Iba-1, RhoA, and ROCK2 in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). To confirm the role of P2Y12R and RhoA/ROCK in CM, we systemically administered P2Y12R antagonists (MRS2395 and clopidogrel) and a ROCK2 inhibitor (fasudil) and investigated their effects on microglial activation, c-fos, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the TNC. To further confirm the effect of P2Y12R on microglial activation, we preincubated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV-2 microglia with MRS2395 and clopidogrel. ELISA was used to evaluate the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Results The protein levels of P2Y12R, GTP-RhoA, ROCK2, CGRP, c-fos, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the TNC were increased after recurrent NTG injection. A double labeling study showed that P2Y12R was restricted to microglia in the TNC. MRS2395 and clopidogrel attenuated the development of tactile allodynia and suppressed the expression of CGRP, c-fos, and GTP-RhoA/ROCK2 in the TNC. Furthermore, fasudil also prevented hyperalgesia and suppressed the expression of CGRP in the TNC. In addition, inhibiting P2Y12R and ROCK2 activities suppressed NTG-induced microglial morphological changes (process retraction) and iNOS production in the TNC. In vitro, a double labeling study showed that P2Y12R was colocalized with BV-2 cells, and the levels of iNOS, IL-1β, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia were reduced by P2Y12R inhibitors. Conclusions These data demonstrate that microglial P2Y12R in the TNC plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of CM by regulating microglial activation in the TNC via RhoA/ROCK pathway.

scholarly journals P2X7R-mediated Autophagic Impairment Contributes to Central Sensitization in a chronic Migraine Model with Recurrent Nitroglycerin Stimulation in Mice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Jiang ◽  
Yixin Zhang ◽  
Feng Jing ◽  
Ting Long ◽  
Guangcheng Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Migraine ◽  
Central Sensitization ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Purinergic Receptor ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Autophagic Flux ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism

Abstract Background: Central sensitization is an important pathophysiological mechanism of chronic migraine (CM). According to our previous studies, microglial activation and subsequent inflammation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) contribute to the central sensitization. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a purinergic receptor expressed in microglia and participates in central sensitization in chronic pain, but its role in CM is unclear. Numerous studies have shown that P2X7R regulates the level of autophagy and that autophagy affects the microglial activation and inflammation. Recently, autophagy has been shown to be involved in neuropathic pain, but there is no information about autophagy in CM. Therefore, the current study investigated the role of P2X7R in CM and its underlying mechanism, focusing on autophagy regulation.Methods: The CM model was established by repeated intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTG) in mice. A Von Frey filament and radiant heat were used to assess the mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were performed to detect the expression of P2X7R, autophagy-related proteins, and the cellular localization of P2X7R. To determine the role of P2X7R and autophagy in CM, we detected the effects of the autophagy inducer, rapamycin (RAPA) and P2X7R antagonist, Brilliant Blue G (BBG), on pain behavior and the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and c-fos. In addition, the effect of RAPA and BBG on microglial activation and subsequent inflammation were investigated.Results: The expression of P2X7R was increased and was mainly colocalized with microglia in the TNC following recurrent NTG administration. The autophagic flux was blocked in CM, which was characterized by up-regulated LC3-II, and accumulated autophagy substrate protein, p62. RAPA significantly improved the basal rather than acute hyperalgesia. BBG alleviated both basal and acute hyperalgesia. BBG activated the level of autophagic flux. RAPA and BBG inhibited the activation of microglia, limited the inflammatory response, and reduced the expression of CGRP and c-fos. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the dysfunction of the autophagic process in CM. Activated autophagy may have a preventive effect on migraine chronification. P2X7R contributes to central sensitization through mediating autophagy regulation and might become a potential target for CM.

scholarly journals MicroRNA-155-5p promotes neuroinflammation and central sensitization via inhibiting SIRT1 in a nitroglycerin-induced chronic migraine mouse model

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianwen Wen ◽  
Yunfeng Wang ◽  
Qi Pan ◽  
Ruimin Tian ◽  
Dunke Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Chronic Migraine ◽  
Central Sensitization ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Thermal Hyperalgesia ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Tnf Α

Abstract Background Previous studies have confirmed that the microglial activation and subsequent inflammatory responses in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) are involved in the central sensitization of chronic migraine (CM). MicroRNA-155-5p has been shown to modulate the polarization of microglia and participate in inflammatory processes in a variety of neurological diseases. However, its role in CM remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the precise role of miR-155-5p in CM. Methods A model of CM in C57BL/6 mice was established by recurrent intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTG). Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were evaluated by Von Frey filaments and radiant heat. The expression of miR-155-5p was examined by qRT-PCR, and the mRNA and protein levels of silent information regulator 1(SIRT1) were measured by qRT-PCR, Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis. The miR-155-5p antagomir, miR-155-5p agomir, SRT1720 (a SIRT1 activator) and EX527 (a SIRT1 inhibitor) were administered to confirm the effects of miR-155-5p and SIRT1 on neuroinflammation and the central sensitization of CM. ELISA, WB and IF assays were applied to evaluate the expression of TNF-α, myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-10, p-ERK, p-CREB, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), c-Fos and microglial activation. The cellular localization of SIRT1 was illustrated by IF. Results After the NTG-induced mouse model of CM was established, the expression of miR-155-5p was increased. The level of SIRT1 was decreased, and partly colocalized with Iba1 in the TNC. The miR-155-5p antagomir and SRT1720 downregulated the expression of p-ERK, p-CREB, CGRP, and c-Fos, alleviating microglial activation and decreasing inflammatory substances (TNF-α, MPO). The administration of miR-155-5p agomir or EX527 exacerbated neuroinflammation and central sensitization. Importantly, the miR-155-5p agomir elevated CGRP and c-Fos expression and microglial activation, which could subsequently be alleviated by SRT1720. Conclusions These data demonstrate that upregulated miR-155-5p in the TNC participates in the central sensitization of CM. Inhibiting miR-155-5p alleviates neuroinflammation by activating SIRT1 in the TNC of CM mice.

scholarly journals P2X7R-mediated autophagic impairment contributes to central sensitization in a chronic migraine model with recurrent nitroglycerin stimulation in mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Jiang ◽  
Yixin Zhang ◽  
Feng Jing ◽  
Ting Long ◽  
Guangcheng Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Migraine ◽  
Central Sensitization ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Purinergic Receptor ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Autophagic Flux ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism

Abstract Background Central sensitization is an important pathophysiological mechanism of chronic migraine (CM). According to our previous studies, microglial activation and subsequent inflammation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) contribute to the central sensitization. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a purinergic receptor expressed in microglia and participates in central sensitization in chronic pain, but its role in CM is unclear. Numerous studies have shown that P2X7R regulates the level of autophagy and that autophagy affects the microglial activation and inflammation. Recently, autophagy has been shown to be involved in neuropathic pain, but there is no information about autophagy in CM. Therefore, the current study investigated the role of P2X7R in CM and its underlying mechanism, focusing on autophagy regulation. Methods The CM model was established by repeated intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTG) in mice. A Von Frey filament and radiant heat were used to assess the mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were performed to detect the expression of P2X7R, autophagy-related proteins, and the cellular localization of P2X7R. To determine the role of P2X7R and autophagy in CM, we detected the effects of the autophagy inducer, rapamycin (RAPA) and P2X7R antagonist, Brilliant Blue G (BBG), on pain behavior and the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and c-fos. In addition, the effect of RAPA and BBG on microglial activation and subsequent inflammation were investigated. Results The expression of P2X7R was increased and was mainly colocalized with microglia in the TNC following recurrent NTG administration. The autophagic flux was blocked in CM, which was characterized by upregulated LC3-II, and accumulated autophagy substrate protein, p62. RAPA significantly improved the basal rather than acute hyperalgesia. BBG alleviated both basal and acute hyperalgesia. BBG activated the level of autophagic flux. RAPA and BBG inhibited the activation of microglia, limited the inflammatory response, and reduced the expression of CGRP and c-fos. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the dysfunction of the autophagic process in CM. Activated autophagy may have a preventive effect on migraine chronification. P2X7R contributes to central sensitization through mediating autophagy regulation and might become a potential target for CM.

scholarly journals P2X7R-mediated autophagic impairment contributes to central sensitization in a chronic migraine model with recurrent nitroglycerin stimulation in mice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Jiang ◽  
Yixin Zhang ◽  
Feng Jing ◽  
Ting Long ◽  
Guangcheng Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Migraine ◽  
Central Sensitization ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Purinergic Receptor ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Autophagic Flux ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism

Abstract Background: Central sensitization is an important pathophysiological mechanism of chronic migraine (CM). According to our previous studies, microglial activation and subsequent inflammation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) contribute to the central sensitization. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a purinergic receptor expressed in microglia and participates in central sensitization in chronic pain, but its role in CM is unclear. Numerous studies have shown that P2X7R regulates the level of autophagy and that autophagy affects the microglial activation and inflammation. Recently, autophagy has been shown to be involved in neuropathic pain, but there is no information about autophagy in CM. Therefore, the current study investigated the role of P2X7R in CM and its underlying mechanism, focusing on autophagy regulation.Methods: The CM model was established by repeated intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTG) in mice. A Von Frey filament and radiant heat were used to assess the mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were performed to detect the expression of P2X7R, autophagy-related proteins, and the cellular localization of P2X7R. To determine the role of P2X7R and autophagy in CM, we detected the effects of the autophagy inducer, rapamycin (RAPA) and P2X7R antagonist, Brilliant Blue G (BBG), on pain behavior and the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and c-fos. In addition, the effect of RAPA and BBG on microglial activation and subsequent inflammation were investigated.Results: The expression of P2X7R was increased and was mainly colocalized with microglia in the TNC following recurrent NTG administration. The autophagic flux was blocked in CM, which was characterized by up-regulated LC3-II, and accumulated autophagy substrate protein, p62. RAPA significantly improved the basal rather than acute hyperalgesia. BBG alleviated both basal and acute hyperalgesia. BBG activated the level of autophagic flux. RAPA and BBG inhibited the activation of microglia, limited the inflammatory response, and reduced the expression of CGRP and c-fos. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the dysfunction of the autophagic process in CM. Activated autophagy may have a preventive effect on migraine chronification. P2X7R contributes to central sensitization through mediating autophagy regulation and might become a potential target for CM.

scholarly journals A38 TRPV1 VISCERAL AFFERENTS CONTROL CENTRAL SENSITIZATION IN IBD

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 278-279
Author(s):  
M Defaye ◽  
N Abdullah ◽  
M Iftinca ◽  
C Altier
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Central Sensitization ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Purinergic Signaling ◽  
Designer Drugs ◽  
Visceral Afferents ◽  
Peripheral Sensitization ◽  
Specific Expression

Abstract Background Long-lasting changes in neural pain circuits precipitate the transition from acute to chronic pain in patients living with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). While significant improvement in IBD therapy has been made to reduce inflammation, a large subset of patients continues to suffer throughout quiescent phases of the disease, suggesting a high level of plasticity in nociceptive circuits during acute phases. The establishment of chronic visceral pain results from neuroplasticity in nociceptors first, then along the entire neural axis, wherein microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are critically involved. Our lab has shown that spinal microglia were key in controlling chronic pain state in IBD. Using the Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS) model of colitis, we found that microglial G-CSF was able to sensitize colonic nociceptors that express the pain receptor TRPV1. While TRPV1+ nociceptors have been implicated in peripheral sensitization, their contribution to central sensitization via microglia remains unknown. Aims To investigate the role of TRPV1+ visceral afferents in microglial activation and chronic visceral pain. Methods We generated DREADD (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) mice in which TRPV1 sensory neurons can be inhibited (TRPV1-hM4Di) or activated (TRPV1-hM3Dq) in a time and tissue specific manner using the inert ligand Clozapine-N-Oxide (CNO). To test the inhibition of TRPV1 neurons in DSS-induced colitis, TRPV1-hM4Di mice were treated with DSS 2.5% or water for 7 days and received vehicle or CNO i.p. injection twice daily. To activate TRPV1 visceral afferents, TRPV1-hM3Dq mice received vehicle or CNO daily for 7 days, by oral gavage. After 7 days of treatment, visceral pain was evaluated by colorectal distension and spinal cords tissues were harvested to measure microglial activation. Results Our data validated the nociceptor specific expression and function of the DREADD in TRPV1-Cre mice. Inhibition of TRPV1 visceral afferents in DSS TRPV1-hM4Di mice was able to prevent the colitis-induced microglial activation and thus reduce visceral hypersensitivity. In contrast, activation of TRPV1 visceral afferents in TRPV1-hM3Dq mice was sufficient to drive microglial activation in the absence of colitis. Analysis of the proalgesic mediators derived from activated TRPV1-hM3Dq neurons identified ATP as a key factor of microglial activation. Conclusions Overall, these data provide novel insights into the mechanistic understanding of the gut/brain axis in chronic visceral pain and suggest a role of purinergic signaling that could be harnessed for testing effective therapeutic approaches to relieve pain in IBD patients. Funding Agencies CCCACHRI (Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute) and CSM (Cumming School of Medicine) postdoctoral fellowship

scholarly journals The Neuroinflammatory Role of Pericytes in Epilepsy

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 759
Author(s):  
Gaku Yamanaka ◽  
Fuyuko Takata ◽  
Yasufumi Kataoka ◽  
Kanako Kanou ◽  
Shinichiro Morichi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
In Vivo Studies

Pericytes are a component of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) neurovascular unit, in which they play a crucial role in BBB integrity and are also implicated in neuroinflammation. The association between pericytes, BBB dysfunction, and the pathophysiology of epilepsy has been investigated, and links between epilepsy and pericytes have been identified. Here, we review current knowledge about the role of pericytes in epilepsy. Clinical evidence has shown an accumulation of pericytes with altered morphology in the cerebral vascular territories of patients with intractable epilepsy. In vitro, proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6, cause morphological changes in human-derived pericytes, where IL-6 leads to cell damage. Experimental studies using epileptic animal models have shown that cerebrovascular pericytes undergo redistribution and remodeling, potentially contributing to BBB permeability. These series of pericyte-related modifications are promoted by proinflammatory cytokines, of which the most pronounced alterations are caused by IL-1β, a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Furthermore, the pericyte-glial scarring process in leaky capillaries was detected in the hippocampus during seizure progression. In addition, pericytes respond more sensitively to proinflammatory cytokines than microglia and can also activate microglia. Thus, pericytes may function as sensors of the inflammatory response. Finally, both in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the potential of pericytes as a therapeutic target for seizure disorders.

scholarly journals Identification of a microRNA signature in renal fibrosis: role of miR-21

2011 ◽  
Vol 301 (4) ◽  
pp. F793-F801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abolfazl Zarjou ◽  
Shanzhong Yang ◽  
Edward Abraham ◽  
Anupam Agarwal ◽  
Gang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Tubular Epithelial Cells ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Tgf Β1

Renal fibrosis is a final stage of many forms of kidney disease and leads to impairment of kidney function. The molecular pathogenesis of renal fibrosis is currently not well-understood. microRNAs (miRNAs) are important players in initiation and progression of many pathologic processes including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. However, the role of miRNAs in kidney injury and repair is not well-characterized. In the present study, we found a unique miRNA signature associated with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis. We found altered expression in UUO kidneys of miRNAs that have been shown to be responsive to stimulation by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 or TNF-α. Among these miRNAs, miR-21 demonstrated the greatest increase in UUO kidneys. The enhanced expression of miR-21 was located mainly in distal tubular epithelial cells. miR-21 expression was upregulated in response to treatment with TGF-β1 or TNF-α in human renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro. Furthermore, we found that blocking miR-21 in vivo attenuated UUO-induced renal fibrosis, presumably through diminishing the expression of profibrotic proteins and reducing infiltration of inflammatory macrophages in UUO kidneys. Our data suggest that targeting specific miRNAs could be a novel therapeutic approach to treat renal fibrosis.

scholarly journals Astrocyte-Derived CCL2 is Associated with M1 Activation and Recruitment of Cultured Microglial Cells

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 859-870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingfeng He ◽  
Hongquan Dong ◽  
Yahui Huang ◽  
Shunmei Lu ◽  
Shu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Microglial Cells ◽  
Migration Ability ◽  
Migration Assay ◽  
Tnf Α

Background/Aims: Microglia are an essential player in central nervous system inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated that the astrocytic chemokine, CCL2, is associated with microglial activation in vivo. However, CCL2-induced microglial activation has not yet been studied in vitro. The purpose of the current study was to understand the role of astrocyte-derived CCL2 in microglial activation and to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s). Methods: Primary astrocytes were pre-treated with CCL2 siRNA and stimulated with TNF-α. The culture medium (CM) was collected and added to cultures of microglia, which were incubated with and without CCR2 inhibitor. Microglial cells were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR to determine whether they polarized to the M1 or M2 state. Microglial migratory ability was assessed by transwell migration assay. Results: TNF-α stimulated the release of CCL2 from astrocytes, even if the culture media containing TNF-α was replaced with fresh media after 3 h. CM from TNF-α-stimulated astrocytes successfully induced microglial activation, which was ascertained by increased activation of M1 and enhanced migration ability. In contrast, CM from astrocytes pretreated with CCL2 siRNA showed no effect on microglial activation, compared to controls. Additionally, microglia pre-treated with RS102895, a CCR2 inhibitor, were resistant to activation by CM from TNF-α-stimulated astrocytes. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the CCL2/CCR2 pathway of astrocyte-induced microglial activation is associated with M1 polarization and enhanced migration ability, indicating that this pathway could be a useful target to ameliorate inflammation in the central nervous system.

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