Topic: optic nerve crush

Prostaglandins play a key role in modulating the inflammatory response in the central nervous system. They are synthesized from arachidonic acid via the enzyme cyclooxygenases (COX). The Cox-1 isoform is highly enriched in microglia. In response to infection or tissue damage, microglia become reactive which is associated with phagocytosis and pro-inflammatory function. Concurrently, selective Cox-1 inhibition has been shown to ameliorate pathological effects in several neurodegenerative diseases. So far, it is not known which impact Cox-1 expression has on the regulation of microglia activity.