Inhibition of astrocytic activation in brain disorders and neuronal cell transplantation

• Project/Area Number: 26560273
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Rehabilitation science/Welfare engineering
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: NAKAGAWA Takao 金沢大学, 保健学系, 教授 (40217675)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2016)
• Budget Amount: ¥3,250,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥750,000); Fiscal Year 2016: ¥1,040,000 (Direct Cost: ¥800,000、Indirect Cost: ¥240,000); Fiscal Year 2015: ¥1,040,000 (Direct Cost: ¥800,000、Indirect Cost: ¥240,000); Fiscal Year 2014: ¥1,170,000 (Direct Cost: ¥900,000、Indirect Cost: ¥270,000)
• Keywords: アストロサイト / 神経細胞障害 / 神経細胞移植 / 神経再生 / パーキンソン病 / エダラボン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Astrocytes activate under various brain disorders followed by secretion of neurotrophic factors inducing neuronal cell protection and regenesis. On the other hand, they secrete cytokines aggrevating brain edema and inflammation, and form gliotic scar inhibiting neuronal regeneration. Using cell culture and animal experiments we investigated neuronal cell protection by inhibition of astrocytic activation. We demonstrated protective effects of neuronal cells by inhibition of astroctic activation in vitro, but not in vivo.