Studying XXXX Brain Inflammation in Leptomeningeal and Choroid Plexus Explant Cultures.

@entity1 @entity82 @entity198 @entity2318 @entity2443 @entity8075
The meninges (dura, @entity8075 and @entity2443 ) are critical membranes encasing and protecting the brain within the skull. The leptomeninges, which comprise the @entity2443 and @entity8075 , have many functions beyond brain protection including roles in neurogenesis, @entity198 . Similarly, the choroid plexus plays important roles in normal brain function but is also involved in @entity198 . We have begun studying the role of @entity1 leptomeninges and @entity198 and leptomeninges in @entity2318 formation, using @entity1 brain derived explant cultures. To study the composition of the cells generated in these explants we undertook immunocytochemical characterisation. Cells, mainly pericytes and meningeal macrophages, emerge from leptomeningeal explants (LME's) and respond to inflammatory mediators by producing inflammatory molecules. LME-derived cells also respond to mechanical injury and cytokines, providing an in vitro @entity1 brain model of @entity2318 formation. Choroid plexus explants (CPE's) generate epithelial cells, pericytes and microglia/macrophages. CPE-derived cells also respond to inflammatory mediators. LME and CPE explants survive and generate cells for many months in vitro and provide a remarkable opportunity to study basic mechanisms of @entity1 @entity198 and @entity82 and to test human-active anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring treatments.
