The neurovascular unit, matrix proteases, and innate inflammation.
In the central nervous system, microvessel-neuron interactions appear highly coordinated. The rapid simultaneous responses of the microvasculature, neurons, and glia to focal ischemia in experimental ischemic stroke suggest that these responses could be viewed in a unitary fashion, rather than as individual components. The "neurovascular unit" consists of microvessels (endothelial cells-basal lamina matrix-astrocyte end-feet [and pericytes]), astrocytes, neurons and their axons, and other supporting cells that are likely to modulate the function of the "unit." Each cell component generates an inflammatory response to ischemia. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 was first associated with hemorrhagic transformation following focal ischemia in an experimental model. A series of studies of ischemic stroke patients also suggests a relationship between MMP-9 levels and several consequences of ischemic injury, including hemorrhagic transformation. Recent experimental work suggests specific cell sources for MMP-9 generation and for matrix proteases from four distinct families that could impact neurovascular unit integrity.
del Zoppo
Gregory J
GJ
Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA. grgdlzop@u.washington.edu
D000818:Animals; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D020521:Stroke / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology
D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9