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Microglia are associated with the extracellular neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer disease
1Division of Neuropathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4901.
Abstract:
When neurons die, the filaments of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) undergo structural and antigenic modifications. The exact mechanism of this modification is unknown, but glial cells could play an important role. Previous studies have shown that astroglial processes infiltrate extracellular NFT. In this study we use double immunolabelling to show that microglia also infiltrate extracellular NFT. Therefore, along with the previously identified astroglia, the microglia could be responsible for the modification of extracellular NFT.
Insights
Glial cells, including microglia and astroglia, infiltrate extracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). This infiltration suggests glial cells may modify NFT filaments after neuron death, a key process in neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) are pathological hallmarks of neuronal death.
- Structural and antigenic modifications of NFT filaments occur after neuron death.
- The exact mechanism driving these NFT modifications remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of glial cells in the modification of extracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT).
- To determine if microglia, in addition to astroglia, interact with extracellular NFT.
Main Methods:
- Utilized double immunolabelling techniques.
- Examined the infiltration of glial cells into extracellular NFT.
Main Results:
- Confirmed that astroglial processes infiltrate extracellular NFT, as previously suggested.
- Demonstrated for the first time that microglia also infiltrate extracellular NFT.
Conclusions:
- Both microglia and astroglia interact with extracellular NFT.
- Glial cell infiltration, particularly by microglia, is implicated in the modification of NFT filaments.
- These findings highlight a potential mechanism for NFT pathology in neurodegenerative conditions.