Role of platelets in neuroinflammatory disorders. A review
Platelets are important players in inflammation, wound healing, initiation of immune response and regeneration in peripheral tissues. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier occurs during certain neurological disorders, such as brain trauma, Alzheimer’s disease or stroke, when blood cells including platelets can invade nervous tissue. However, the role of platelets in the context of neuroinflammation remains understudied. Recent works have showed that in activated platelets release a wide set of coagulative and vascular factors during neurovascular pathologies in the central nervous system. Moreover, platelets stimulate immunity and regulate inflammation in the central nervous system. Platelet-derived trophic and growth factors may play a role in neuronal regeneration. Activated platelets release neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and glutamate, and can modify neuronal cell activity in neuropathologies. This review focuses on the major aspects and mechanisms of platelet functions in neuroinflammation, and therapeutic potential of platelets for treatment of neurodegeneration.