Neuroinflammatory response of CNS cells to oral bacteria

Our project is unique in that it is interested in understanding and measuring specifically those inflammatory markers currently believed to contribute to functional (memory and paralysis) loss due to aging. In order to clarify these cellular responses astrocytes, microglia and oligodendroglial cells will be subjected to oral periodonto-pathogenic bacteria and not just their LPS. The study will explore both the neuro-inflammatory changes corresponding to hyperplasia and hypertrophy of microglia and astrocytes and loss of oligodendrocytes. The outcome from this study will go some way towards addressing the aetiological factors involved in the onset of these debilitating diseases.