The emerging role of neutrophils as modifiers of recovery after traumatic injury to the developing brain.

The emerging role of neutrophils as modifiers of recovery after traumatic injury to the developing brain. Exp Neurol. 2019 Mar 12;: Authors: von Leden RE, Parker KN, Bates AA, Noble-Haeusslein LJ, Donovan MH Abstract The innate immune response plays a critical role in traumatic brain injury (TBI), contributing to ongoing pathogenesis and worsening long-term outcomes. Here we focus on neutrophils, one of the "first responders" to TBI. These leukocytes are recruited to the injured brain where they release a host of toxic molecules including free radicals, proteases, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, all of which promote secondary tissue damage. There is mounting evidence that the developing brain is more vulnerable to injury that the adult brain. This vulnerability to greater damage from TBI is, in part, attributed to relatively low antioxidant reserves coupled with an early robust immune response. The latter is reflected in enhanced sensitivity to cytokines and a prolonged recruitment of neutrophils into both cortical and subcortical regions. This review considers the contribution of neutrophils to early secondary pathogenesis in the injured developing brain and raises the distinct possibility that these leukocytes, which exhibit phenotypic plasticity, may also be poised to support wound healing. We provide a basic review of the development, life cycle, and granular contents of neutrophils and evaluate their potential as therapeutic tar...
Source: Experimental Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Exp Neurol Source Type: research