Biomol Ther.  2018 Mar;26(2):93-100. 10.4062/biomolther.2017.144.

Role of Carbon Monoxide in Neurovascular Repair Processing

• Choi YK

• KMID: 2429047
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2017.144

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gaseous molecule produced from heme by heme oxygenase (HO). Endogenous CO production occurring at low concentrations is thought to have several useful biological roles. In mammals, especially humans, a proper neurovascular unit comprising endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, and neurons is essential for the homeostasis and survival of the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, the regeneration of neurovascular systems from neural stem cells and endothelial precursor cells after CNS diseases is responsible for functional repair. This review focused on the possible role of CO/HO in the neurovascular unit in terms of neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and synaptic plasticity, ultimately leading to behavioral changes in CNS diseases. CO/HO may also enhance cellular networks among endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, and neural stem cells. This review highlights the therapeutic effects of CO/HO on CNS diseases involved in neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and angiogenesis. Moreover, the cellular mechanisms and interactions by which CO/HO are exploited for disease prevention and their therapeutic applications in traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke are also discussed.

Keyword

Carbon monoxide; Heme oxygenase; Pericytes; Neurovascular unit; Astrocytes; Neural stem cells

MeSH Terms

Astrocytes
Brain Injuries
Carbon Monoxide*
Carbon*
Central Nervous System
Central Nervous System Diseases
Endothelial Cells
Heme
Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)
Homeostasis
Humans
Mammals
Microglia
Neural Stem Cells
Neurogenesis
Neuronal Plasticity
Neurons
Pericytes
Regeneration
Stroke
Therapeutic Uses
Carbon
Carbon Monoxide
Heme
Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)
Therapeutic Uses