Characterization of LPS and interferon-gamma triggered activation-induced cell death in N9 and primary microglial cells: induction of the mitochondrial gateway by nitric oxide.

摘要

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are normally quiescent but become activated after infection or injury.1 As activated microglia can promote both damage and protection,1 their numbers require strict regulation, in part by 'activation-induced cell death' (AlCD). In view of the key participation of microglia in neurological disorders,2 knowledge of the molecular mechanism of AlCD is important. Studies have shown that AlCD induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon (FH)y occurs via two pathways, one of them mediated via NO and the other via caspase-11. Many aspects of this process, however, remain to be elucidated. We investigated AlCD induced by LPS and IFNy in mouse N9 microglia5 and rat primary microglia.