Abstract

ARAYA ALBORNOZ, Paulina  and  DELGADO-LOPEZ, Fernando. Hydrocephalus and inflammation. Rev Cubana Invest Bioméd [online]. 2016, vol.35, n.3, pp. 240-250. ISSN 1561-3011.

Congenital hydrocephalus is characterized by obstruction of the aqueduct of Sylvius and abnormal neurogenesis. Evidence suggests the presence of an inflammatory response in both processes. In the central nervous system there are cells with an immune function, such as microglia, which keep permanent watch on their environment (inactive state), activating in the presence of any abnormal signal. According to their functions, active microglia may be either repairing or inflammatory. Repairing microglia have neuroprotective effects due to the secretion of anti-inflammatory molecules. Inflammatory microglia, on the other hand, secrete pro-inflammatory factors when activated, and thus the migration of more immune cells to the place. When this process is not regulated, a toxic microenvironment is generated for central nervous system cells, destabilizing the hematoencephalic barrier and thus permitting the mass arrival of macrophages and lymphocytes of peripheral origin to the brain. Generation of this neurotoxic environment causes serious damage to the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system. The present review includes various studies based on human and animal models revealing the existence of inflammatory factors in the brain which develop either congenital or acquired hydrocephalus, and provides an analysis of the consequences and a potential therapy allowing to reverse the damage caused by such a response.

Keywords : hydrocephalus; inflammation; pro-inflammatory response; therapy.

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