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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Physiology of microglia
Helmut Kettenmann1, Uwe-Karsten Hanisch, Mami Noda
1Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany. kettenmann@mdc-berlin.de
Abstract:
Microglial cells are the resident macrophages in the central nervous system. These cells of mesodermal/mesenchymal origin migrate into all regions of the central nervous system, disseminate through the brain parenchyma, and acquire a specific ramified morphological phenotype termed "resting microglia." Recent studies indicate that even in the normal brain, microglia have highly motile processes by which they scan their territorial domains. By a large number of signaling pathways they can communicate with macroglial cells and neurons and with cells of the immune system. Likewise, microglial cells express receptors classically described for brain-specific communication such as neurotransmitter receptors and those first discovered as immune cell-specific such as for cytokines. Microglial cells are considered the most susceptible sensors of brain pathology. Upon any detection of signs for brain lesions or nervous system dysfunction, microglial cells undergo a complex, multistage activation process that converts them into the "activated microglial cell." This cell form has the capacity to release a large number of substances that can act detrimental or beneficial for the surrounding cells. Activated microglial cells can migrate to the site of injury, proliferate, and phagocytose cells and cellular compartments.
Insights
Microglial cells, the brain's immune cells, constantly survey their environment. Upon detecting pathology, they activate, releasing substances that can be beneficial or harmful to the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglial cells are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS).
- Originating from mesodermal/mesenchymal precursors, they reside in the brain parenchyma and adopt a ramified
- resting microglia
- phenotype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles and activation states of microglial cells in the CNS.
- To highlight their function as critical sensors of brain pathology.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on microglial cell behavior and signaling in normal and pathological brain states.
- Analysis of microglial cell communication pathways with neurons, macroglial cells, and immune cells.
- Examination of receptor expression, including neurotransmitter and cytokine receptors.
Main Results:
- Even in a healthy brain, microglia exhibit dynamic, motile processes for environmental scanning.
- Microglia communicate extensively with various cell types in the CNS and express diverse receptors.
- Microglial cells are highly sensitive to CNS dysfunction and initiate a complex activation process.
Conclusions:
- Activated microglial cells release substances with dual (detrimental or beneficial) effects on surrounding neural tissue.
- Activated microglia can migrate to injury sites, proliferate, and perform phagocytosis of cellular debris.
- Microglial cells play a pivotal role in both maintaining CNS homeostasis and responding to injury and disease.
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