Neuroinflammation
Neuroinflammation (pronounced: neuro-in-fla-ma-tion) is a term used to describe the inflammation of the nervous tissue. It is generally associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Etymology
The term "Neuroinflammation" is derived from the Greek word "neuron" meaning nerve and the Latin word "inflammatio" meaning inflammation.
Definition
Neuroinflammation is a complex series of responses in the nervous system to damage and disease. It is characterized by the activation of microglia and astrocytes, the resident immune cells of the brain and spinal cord. These cells produce inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines that contribute to the progression of disease.
Related Terms
- Neurodegeneration: The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons.
- Neuroimmunology: The study of the interaction between our central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and our immune system.
- Gliosis: A nonspecific reactive change of glial cells in response to damage to the central nervous system.
- Cytokines: A broad and loose category of small proteins that are important in cell signaling.
- Chemokines: A family of small cytokines, or signaling proteins secreted by cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neuroinflammation
- Wikipedia's article - Neuroinflammation
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