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Localization of microglia in the human fetal cervical spinal cord
K D Hutchins1, D W Dickson, W K Rashbaum
1Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461.
Abstract:
Differential morphologic subtypes of microglia have been identified in the human fetal frontal cerebrum using a lectin, Ricinus communis agglutinin 1 (RCA-1), and a monoclonal antibody, EBM-11. In this report, microglia were characterized in the human fetal cervical spinal cord. RCA-1-positive microglia were ramified in the developing gray matter while in the developing white matter they had a less differentiated (ameboid) appearance. EBM-11, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes CD68 on human macrophages, and microglia labeled only ameboid-type microglia in the developing white matter. This suggests that distinct subpopulations of microglia exist, which may represent different stages in microglial development, and that CD68 may be a differentiation marker for less mature forms. Therefore, cytologically less differentiated forms of microglia appear to be associated with myelination.
Insights
Researchers identified distinct microglial subtypes in the human fetal spinal cord. Less differentiated (ameboid) microglia, expressing CD68, were found in the developing white matter, suggesting a role in myelination.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, exhibit diverse morphologies.
- Previous studies identified distinct microglial subtypes in the human fetal frontal cerebrum using Ricinus communis agglutinin 1 (RCA-1) and EBM-11.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize microglial morphology and subpopulations in the human fetal cervical spinal cord.
- To investigate the association between microglial differentiation states and myelination.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis using Ricinus communis agglutinin 1 (RCA-1) lectin.
- Monoclonal antibody EBM-11, recognizing CD68 on human macrophages, was employed.
- Microglia were examined in developing gray and white matter regions of the human fetal cervical spinal cord.
Main Results:
- RCA-1-positive microglia displayed ramified morphology in developing gray matter.
- In contrast, RCA-1-positive microglia in developing white matter showed a less differentiated, ameboid appearance.
- EBM-11 labeled only ameboid-type microglia in the developing white matter, indicating CD68 expression in less mature forms.
Conclusions:
- Distinct microglial subpopulations exist in the human fetal spinal cord, potentially representing different developmental stages.
- CD68 may serve as a differentiation marker for immature microglial forms.
- Cytologically less differentiated microglia are associated with the process of myelination.