Inflammasome Activation Mediates Apoptotic and Pyroptotic Death in Astrocytes Under Ischemic Conditions

In this study, we investigated the expression and activati on of inflammasome components in protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes under ischemic conditions. We found that both protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes expressed a differential increase in inflammasome protein components, and that their activation promoted maturation of IL-1β and IL-18, and secretio n of IL-1β, as well as initiating apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death. Pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1 decreased expression of cleaved caspase-1 and production of mature IL-1β, and protected against inflammasome-mediated apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death. Overall, this study provides nov el insights into the role of inflammasome signaling in astrocytes under ischemic conditions.
Source: NeuroMolecular Medicine - Category: Neurology Source Type: research