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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Microglial/macrophage cells in mammalian olfactory nerve fascicles
Laura J Smithson1, Michael D Kawaja
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
This is the first description of a population of Iba1- and annexin A3-immunopositive cells residing in the peripheral olfactory nerves of adult rats and adult cats. Based on their ramified appearance, positive immunostaining for the monocytic markers Iba1 and annexin A3, and reactivity to bulbectomy (in adult rats), these cells found within the olfactory nerve fascicles of both mammalian species meet several important criteria for their designation as microglia/macrophages. These Iba1-/annexin A3-immunopositive cells may be uniquely positioned to protect against the potential spread of dangerous environmental xenobiotics (such as viruses and toxins) into the brain, where such pathogens may contribute to the development of neurological diseases, such Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
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