Abstract
Microglia serve a pivotal role in the regulation of the brain environment in neuroinflammation. Their activation depends on highly regulated mechanisms involving various ligands, and pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines. Aging can result in the impairment of microglial functions. Aged microglia become overreactive, contributing to generate an inflammatory and oxidative environment detrimental for neurons and astrocytes. d-serine is an endogenous coagonist of glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Through NMDAR coactivation, d-serine participates in synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. However, d-serine unbalance can be detrimental for cognitive function and has the potential to induce NMDAR-mediated neuron excitotoxicity. Here, we discuss the mechanisms through which age-dependent changes in microglia affect d-serine balance, and the contribution of d-serine unbalance in the genesis or progression of neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer disease.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Factors Affecting Neurological Aging |
| Subtitle of host publication | Genetics, Neurology, Behavior, and Diet |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Pages | 227-236 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128179901 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine
- General Neuroscience