glial cell injury
 
Glial cells in the central nervous system play an important role in immune and inflammatory reactions. Astrocytes exhibit specific spatial patterns and complex molecular level changes, and also have a dual effect on ischemic neuronal injury and neuronal regeneration following ischemia. Microglia are pathologically activated and participate in the reconstruction of the central nervous system milieu. Studies have shown that Chinese medicine and acupuncture provide neuroprotection in patients and animal models of central nervous system disease, as well as promote synaptic plasticity, accelerate regional cerebral blood flow, improve cognition, and activate the beneficial effects of glial cells.
In this issue of NRR, three papers analyzed the neuroprotective effects of triptolide and berberine, monomers from traditional Chinese medicine, as well as electroacupuncture at Baihui and Dazhui, on astrocyte and microglial injury.

? Triptolide protects astrocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury
Neural Regen Res. 2011;6(21):1623-1627.

? Berberine inhibits inflammatory activation of rat brain microglia
Neural Regen Res. 2011;6(18):1384-1390.

? Effects of electroacupuncture on astrocytes in the marginal zone of focal cerebral ischemia in rats
Neural Regen Res. 2011;6(4):291-296.