Abstract
Abstract Background: Cerebral infarction is the second most frequent cause of death worldwide and the third most important cause of death and disability combined. Research indicate that B lymphocytes may be involved in both acute and chronic inflammation in CNS. This thesis search to gather current knowledge and evidence for a role of B cells in cerebral infarction. Results: B cells are found altered in peripheral blood and infiltrating the post-ischemic brain and are proposed to play a role as a regulator after cerebral infarction. Several benefits of B cell invasion into the post-ischemic brain in mice models have been identified, such as smaller infarct volume, reduced mortality, improved neurogenesis, and better motor functions. Nevertheless, autoantibodies to different brain antigens have been identified, and B cell activation are proposed correlated to developing cognitive impairment. Discussion: Although there is some consensus in literature, there are also conflicting results to be found. Most research is done in rodents, but these results may not be directly applied to humans. Modulation of B-cell response may be a future target for improving stroke treatment and rehabilitation, but there are studies that show no significant effect of B-cell-depletion on stroke outcome. Conclusion: B cells may play an important role in the character of the infarct lesion and to the cerebral environment. More knowledge and research in this area may lead to alternative approaches in treatment of cerebral infarction and possibly influence future course and prognosis of the disease.