Neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Annyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating motor neuron disorder. Traditionally regarded as a 'neuron only' disease, recent evidence suggested that other cells contribute critically to the pathogenesis. This review provides a short synopsis of the role neuroinflammation and microglial cells play in the disease and its animal models. A better understanding of neuroinflammation in motor neuron degeneration and annyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease progression promises to improve the rational design of greatly needed therapies. (c) 2005 Lippincott Williams& Wilkins.