Astrocytes are critical for the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). In addition, astrocytes express toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and build up responses to innate immune triggers by releasing pro-inflammatory molecules. The pathogenesis of neurological disorders often involves the activation of astrocytes and associated inflammatory processes. Lithium, a primary drug for the treatment of bipolar disorder, has recently been suggested to have a role in neuroprotection during neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether lithium can ameliorate LPS-induced astrocytes activation via inhibition of TLR4 expression.', 'Primary astrocytes cells were pretreated with lithium and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cellular activation, cytokine production, and TLR4 expression, were assessed.', 'Lithium significantly inhibited LPS-induced astrocytes activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, as well as LPS-induced TLR4 expression.
Does lithium ameliorate LPS-Induced Astrocytes Activation Partly via Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Expression?