Dual and beneficial roles of macrophages during skeletal muscle regeneration

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2009 Jan;37(1):18-22. doi: 10.1097/JES.0b013e318190ebdb.

Abstract

Macrophages are necessary for skeletal muscle regeneration after injury. Muscle recruits inflammatory monocytes/macrophages that switch toward an anti-inflammatory profile upon phagocytosis of debris. In vitro, proinflammatory macrophages stimulate myoblast proliferation, whereas anti-inflammatory macrophages stimulate their differentiation. Thus, macrophages are involved in both phases of skeletal muscle regeneration: first, inflammation and cleansing of necrosis, and then myogenic differentiation and tissue repair.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / physiopathology
  • Macrophages / physiology*
  • Monocytes / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Myoblasts / cytology
  • Phenotype
  • Regeneration*