Chemokines and neuromodulation

J Neuroimmunol. 2008 Jul 31;198(1-2):62-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2008.04.022. Epub 2008 Jun 9.

Abstract

Chemokines are not only mediators of the immune system and expressed in inflammatory situations. They are also constitutively expressed in the brain in both glial cells and neurons. Several recent evidence suggest that they can have a neurotransmitter/neuromodulatory role on brain functions similar to several neuropeptides reported so far. The aim of this short review is to illustrate that point using two chemokine systems, SDF-1/CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 and MCP-1/CCL2 and its receptor CCR2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology
  • Chemokine CCL2 / physiology*
  • Chemokine CXCL2 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Neuroglia / drug effects
  • Neuroglia / physiology
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / classification
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / pharmacology
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology*
  • Receptors, CCR2 / physiology*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / physiology*

Substances

  • Chemokine CCL2
  • Chemokine CXCL2
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Receptors, CCR2
  • Receptors, CXCR4