Microglia trigger astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection via purinergic gliotransmission.

ABSTRACT: Microglia are highly sensitive to even small changes in the brain environment, such as invasion of non-hazardous toxicants or the presymptomatic state of diseases. However, the physiological or pathophysiological consequences of their responses remain unknown. Here, we report that cultured microglia sense low concentrations of the neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg(low)) and provide neuroprotection against MeHg, for which astrocytes are also required. When exposed to MeHg(low), microglia exocytosed ATP via p38 MAPK- and vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT)-dependent mechanisms. Astrocytes responded to the microglia-derived ATP via P2Y1 receptors and released interleukin-6 (IL-6), thereby protecting neurons against MeHg(low). These neuroprotective actions were also observed in organotypic

SUBMITTER: Shinozaki Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3948352 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature