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Regulation of microglia by ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission

Wai T Wong1, Minhua Wang, Wei Li

  • 1Unit on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Diseases, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. wongw@nei.nih.gov

Neuron Glia Biology
|December 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Microglia in the brain constantly monitor their environment and support neuronal health. Their dynamic activity and communication are regulated by neurotransmission indirectly through ATP release.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are key immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Constitutive microglial functions include immune surveillance, synapse maintenance, and trophic support.
  • Microglial ramified morphology and process motility are crucial for CNS homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how external signals, particularly ionotropic neurotransmission, regulate microglial morphology and process motility.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying microglial regulation in the healthy CNS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on microglial function and neuroinflammation.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the role of neurotransmission in microglial physiology.

Main Results:

  • Microglial physiology in the healthy CNS is reciprocally regulated by glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission.
  • Regulation occurs indirectly via activity-dependent ATP release, potentially through pannexin channels.
  • Resting microglia are dynamically active and constantly communicate with other CNS cells.

Conclusions:

  • Ionotropic neurotransmission plays a significant role in modulating microglial behavior.
  • ATP release serves as a critical intermediary in neuro-microglial communication.
  • Microglia are integral, active participants in CNS network function and communication.

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