Role of Platelets in Neuroinflammatory Disorders. A Review

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are important players in inflammation, wound healing, initiation of immune response and regeneration in the organism. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier occurs during certain neurological disorders, such as brain trauma, Alzheimer’s disease or stroke, when blood cells including platelets can invade nervous tissue. However, the role of platelets in the context of neuroinflammation remains understudied. Recent studies have shown that activated platelets release a wide set of coagulative and vascular factors during neurovascular pathologies in the central nervous system. Moreover, platelets stimulate immunity and regulate inflammation in the central nervous system. Trophic and growth factors stored in platelets may play a role in neuronal regeneration. Activated platelets release neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and glutamate, and can modify neuronal cell activity in neuropathologies. This review focuses on the major aspects and mechanisms of platelet functions in neuroinflammation, and therapeutic potential of platelets for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.