Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
12:21
Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Abnormal microglial-neuronal spatial organization in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in autism
John T Morgan1, Gursharan Chana, Ian Abramson
1Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0602, USA. jtmorgan61@gmail.com
Brain Research
|April 21, 2012
Summary
In autism, microglia (brain immune cells) show a neuron-specific response in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, potentially indicating neuronal dysfunction. This close association may be present early and worsen with age.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Autism Research
Background:
- Microglial activation and altered neuron numbers are noted in autism.
- The nature of microglial activation in autism (neuron-directed vs. general brain environment) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microglial-neuron interactions in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in autism.
- To determine if microglial activation in autism is specific to neurons.
Main Methods:
- Spatial pattern analysis of postmortem brain tissue from 13 male autism subjects and 9 controls.
- Examined microglial and neuronal organization in the DLPFC.
Main Results:
- Microglia were found closer to neurons in autism cases across multiple distance intervals (25, 75, 100 μm).
- Observed microglial processes encircling neurons, suggesting a specific interaction.
- Neuron-neuron clustering increased with age in autism, indicating potential age-related decline in neuronal organization.
Conclusions:
- Microglial activation in the DLPFC in autism is associated with a neuron-specific reaction.
- This neuron-directed microglial response may reflect neuronal dysfunction.
- Neuronal organization may degrade over time in individuals with autism.
