Interaction between neurone and microglia mediated by platelet-activating factor

Citation
N. Aihara et al., Interaction between neurone and microglia mediated by platelet-activating factor, GENES CELLS, 5(5), 2000, pp. 397-406
Citations number
67
Categorie Soggetti
Molecular Biology & Genetics
Journal title
GENES TO CELLS
ISSN journal
13569597 → ACNP
Volume
5
Issue
5
Year of publication
2000
Pages
397 - 406
Database
ISI
SICI code
1356-9597(200005)5:5<397:IBNAMM>2.0.ZU;2-W
Abstract
Background: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent phospholipid media tor that plays various roles in neuronal function and brain development. Th e production and release of PAF in the brain has also been reported under v arious pathological conditions. However, neither the cell types and mechani sm responsible for the synthesis of PAF nor its target cells have been full y identified. Results: Using primary culture cells derived from rat brain and a very sens itive assay method for PAF, we found that PAF was synthesized in neurones f ollowing stimulation with glutamic acid. PAF synthesis required activation of NMDA receptors and subsequent elevation of intracellular calcium ions. M icroglia, which express functional PAF receptors to a high level, showed a marked chemotactic response to PAF. This chemotaxis is a receptor-mediated process, as microglia from PAF-receptor-deficient mice did not show such a response. The activation of a pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-protein and mitog en-activated protein kinase presumably plays a role in intracellular signal ling leading to chemotaxis. Conclusions: Considering the cytoprotective and cytotoxic roles of microgli a, PAF functions as a key messenger in neurone-microglial interactions.