Interleukin-4 Is Essential for Microglia/Macrophage M2 Polarization and Long-Term Recovery After Cerebral Ischemia.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a unique cytokine that may contribute to brain repair by regulating microglia/macrophage functions. Thus, we examined the effect of IL-4 on long-term recovery and microglia/macrophage polarization in 2 well-established stroke models.

Methods

Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion or permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in wild-type and IL-4 knockout C57/BL6 mice. In a separate cohort of wild-type animals, IL-4 (60 ng/d for 7 days) or vehicle was infused into the cerebroventricle after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Behavioral outcomes were assessed by the Rotarod, corner, foot fault, and Morris water maze tests. Neuronal tissue loss was verified by 2 independent neuron markers. Markers o

SUBMITTER: Liu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4729613 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature