Conway Review Lecture 2012

10/09/2012 in National University of Ireland, Galway

Targeting Tumour Necrosis Factor-α in Hypoxia and Synaptic Signalling 

John J. O’Connor, University College Dublin

Abstract:

Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)- is a proinflammatory cytokine, which is synthesised and released in the brain by astrocytes, microglia and neurons in response to numerous internal and external stimuli. It is involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes such as gene transcription, cell proliferation, apoptosis, synaptic signalling and neuroprotection. The complex actions of TNF-α in the brain are under intense investigation. TNF-α has the ability to induce selective necrosis of some cells whilst sparing others and this has led researchers to discover multiple activated signalling cascades. In many human diseases including acute stroke and inflammation and those involving hypoxia, levels of TNF-α are increased throughout different brain regions. TNF-α signalling  may also have several positive and negative effects on neuronal function including glutamatergic synaptic transmission and plasticity. Exogenous TNF-α may also exacerbate the neuronal response to hypoxia. This review will summarise the actions of TNF-α in the central nervous system of synaptic signalling and its effects during hypoxia.

Targeting tumour necrosis factor-α in hypoxia and synaptic signalling