CSF1R Inhibition Reduces Microglia Proliferation, Promotes Tissue Preservation and Improves Motor Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

Front. Cell. Neurosci., 2018 · DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00368 · Published: October 16, 2018

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury triggers inflammation, driven by microglia and macrophages. The study investigates whether modulating these cells can be a therapy. Researchers used a drug (GW2580) to inhibit CSF1R, a receptor that regulates microglia/macrophage proliferation in mice with spinal cord injury. The drug reduced microglia proliferation, improved motor recovery, reduced gliosis (scarring), and lessened microcavity formation after spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

10 weeks

Participants

CX3CR1+/GFP mice

Evidence Level

Original Research

Key Findings

1
GW2580 treatment inhibits microglia proliferation after SCI.
2
GW2580 treatment improved placement of contralateral hind paw and front paws over the recovery phase.
3
GW2580 treatment reduces microcavities formation, suggesting that inhibiting microglia proliferation after injury reduces gliosis and promotes tissue preservation.

Research Summary

The study investigates the effect of inhibiting microglia proliferation via CSF1R blockade (using GW2580) on motor recovery and tissue preservation after spinal cord injury (SCI). GW2580 treatment reduced microglia proliferation, decreased gliosis and microcavity formation, and improved fine motor recovery after incomplete SCI in mice. The findings suggest that preventing microglial proliferation could be a therapeutic approach to limit neuroinflammation and promote tissue preservation following SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Inhibiting microglia proliferation after spinal cord injury may be a viable therapeutic approach.

Neuroinflammation Reduction

Targeting microglia proliferation could help limit neuroinflammation following SCI.

Tissue Preservation

Reducing microglia proliferation may promote tissue preservation in the injured spinal cord.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The long-term effects of CSF1R inhibition were not fully explored.
3
The specific mechanisms by which reduced microglia proliferation leads to improved motor function require further investigation.

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