title: Targeting neutrophils in ischemic stroke: translational insights from experimental studies.
abstract: Neutrophils have key roles in ischemic brain injury, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. As such, neutrophils are of great interest as targets to treat and prevent ischemic stroke. After stroke, neutrophils respond rapidly promoting blood-brain barrier disruption, cerebral edema, and brain injury. A surge of neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species, proteases, and cytokines are released as neutrophils interact with cerebral endothelium. Neutrophils also are linked to the major processes that cause ischemic stroke, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. Thrombosis is promoted through interactions with platelets, clotting factors, and release of prothrombotic molecules. In atherosclerosis, neutrophils promote plaque formation and rupture by generating oxidized-low density lipoprotein, enhancing monocyte infiltration, and degrading the fibrous cap. In experimental studies targeting neutrophils can improve stroke. However, early human studies have been met with challenges, and suggest that selective targeting of neutrophils may be required. Several properties of neutrophil are beneficial and thus may important to preserve in patients with stroke including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and neuroprotective functions.
authors: Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
authors: Glen C
authors: GC
authors: Jickling
authors: Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
authors: DaZhi
authors: D
authors: Liu
authors: Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
authors: Bradley P
authors: BP
authors: Ander
authors: Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
authors: Boryana
authors: B
authors: Stamova
authors: Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
authors: Xinhua
authors: X
authors: Zhan
authors: Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
authors: Frank R
authors: FR
authors: Sharp
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D001921:Brain / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology