Pioglitazone Blocks Ethanol Induction of Microglial Activation and Immune Responses in the Hippocampus, Cerebellum, and Cerebral Cortex in a Mouse Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

These studies indicate that EtOH activates microglia to a pro-inflammatory stage and also increases the expression of neuroinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in diverse regions of the developing brain. Further, the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone blocked these effects. It is proposed that microglial activation and inflammatory molecules expressed as a result of EtOH treatment during brain development contribute to the sequelae associated with FASD. Thus, pioglitazone and anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals more broadly have potential as novel therapeutics for FASD.