Abstract

Cyclooxygenase (COX) expression in the brain is associated with pro-inflammatory activities, which are instrumental in neurodegenerative processes such as Parkinsons disease (PD). It is discussed that drugs with the capacity to rescue dopaminergic neurons from microglia toxicity and neuroinflammatory processes may result in an amelioration of parkinsonian symptoms by delaying the onset or slowing progression. This article reviews the involvement of COX in neuroinflammation, specifically focussing at the role of selective COX-2 inhibition in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Parkinsons disease.

Keywords: COX-2, Parkinson, neuroinflammation, microglia, neurodegeneration, neuroprotection