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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Simultaneous Imaging of Microglial Dynamics and Neuronal Activity in Awake Mice
Published on: August 23, 2022
Magnetic resonance imaging using hemagglutinating virus of Japan-envelope vector successfully detects localization of
Yang Song1, Shigehiro Morikawa, Masahito Morita
1Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Setatsukinowa-cho, Otsu 520-2192, Japan.
Abstract:
Although the therapeutic use of microglia has received some attention for the treatment of brain diseases, few non-invasive techniques exist for monitoring the cells after administration. Here, we present a technique using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track microglia injected intra-cardially. We labeled microglia expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein with superparamagnetic iron oxide (Resovist) using the hemagglutinating virus of Japan-envelope vector. We injected labeled microglia into the left ventricle of the heart of mice. After monitoring exogenously administered microglia in the mouse brain in vivo using T(2)*-weighted MRI at a magnetic field of 7T, we compared the MR images with histochemical localization of exogenous microglia in vitro. MRI revealed clear signal changes attributable to Resovist-containing microglia in the mouse brain. Histochemistry demonstrated the presence of exogenous microglia in the brain at the same locations shown by MRI. This study demonstrates the usefulness of MRI for non-invasive monitoring of exogenous microglia, and suggests a promising future for microglia/macrophages as therapeutic tools for brain disease.
Insights
This study introduces a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to track microglia, a type of immune cell, after they are administered for brain disease treatment. The method allows for non-invasive monitoring of these therapeutic cells in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Microglia are crucial for brain health and disease.
- Therapeutic applications of microglia are being explored for brain diseases.
- Non-invasive methods for monitoring administered microglia are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a non-invasive technique for tracking exogenously administered microglia in the brain.
- To assess the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for this purpose.
Main Methods:
- Microglia expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein were labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (Resovist).
- Labeled microglia were injected into the left ventricle of mouse hearts.
- In vivo tracking was performed using T(2)*-weighted MRI at 7T.
- MR images were compared with in vitro histochemical analysis.
Main Results:
- MRI successfully detected signal changes corresponding to Resovist-labeled microglia in the mouse brain.
- Histochemistry confirmed the presence and location of exogenous microglia in areas identified by MRI.
- The study demonstrated a correlation between MRI signals and actual microglia distribution.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a viable non-invasive method for monitoring exogenous microglia in the brain.
- This technique supports the potential of microglia/macrophages as therapeutic agents for neurological disorders.
- Further development could enhance cell-based therapies for brain diseases.
