The role of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and glia in inducing growth of neuronal terminal arbors in mice

Abstract

After injury to the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), remaining neurons sprout to ensure normal dopamine delivery to the striatum. The consequent striatal reinnervation is highly regulated, with remaining cells sprouting so that density of dopamine terminals returns to normal. Sprouting as a result of injury is accompanied by a strong glial response; however, it is difficult to know whether this response is as a result of the injury or whether it is aiding in the sprouting. The two cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are important modulators of the glia response. This study demonstrates their role in regulating the sprouting of dopaminergic neurons and the associated..