Definition
Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, are overexpressed at the lesion site for several hours to days after central nervous system (CNS) injury. The cells of origin of these cytokines are neurons, astrocytes, microglial cells, infiltrated macrophages, and neutrophils. They are involved in the secondary tissue damage that is produced through a series of autodestructive events (e.g., apoptosis) initiated by the primary trauma. Low concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines can be beneficial; however, high concentrations mediate cell death and widespread tissue disruption. Thus, manipulation of this inflammatory response is one of the major therapeutic approaches for CNS injury.
Transplantation of Neural Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Regeneration
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2009 Springer-Verlag GmbH Berlin Heidelberg
About this entry
Cite this entry
(2009). Pro-inflammatory Cytokines. In: Binder, M.D., Hirokawa, N., Windhorst, U. (eds) Encyclopedia of Neuroscience. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29678-2_4810
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29678-2_4810
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-23735-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-29678-2
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesReference Module Biomedical and Life Sciences