Microglia activation-induced mesencephalic dopaminergic neurodegeneration - an in vitro model for Parkinson's disease

Uncontrolled and chronic microglia activation has been implicated in the process of dopaminergic neuron degeneration in sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). Elevated proinflammatory mediators, presumably from activated microglia (e. g., cytokines, PGE₂, nitric oxide, and superoxide radical), have been observed in PD patients and are accompanied by dopaminergic neuronal loss. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the deleterious effects of proinflammatory mediators in various in vivo and in vitro models of PD. The use of in vitro studies provides a unique tool to investigate the interaction between neurons and microglia and is especially valuable when considering the role of activated microglia in neuronal death. Here we summarize findings highlighting the potential mechanisms of microgliamediated neurodegeneration in PD.