Advances in the mechanism of inflammatory response to radiation-induced brain injury

The mechanisms of radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) remain unclear. Currently a number of studies suggest that inflammatory response may play an important role in RBI. The production of reactive oxygen species, the release of inflammatory mediators, the interactions between neurons, glial cells, and pericytes, and the recruitment of peripheral leukocytes all contribute to the development of radiation-induced brain injury. This article reviews the research progress of the inflammatory response mechanism of radiation-induced brain injury. Key words: Radiation-induced brain injury; Microglia; Reactive oxygen species; Inflammatory mediators; Leukocytes