Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons
08:47

Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons

Published on: July 26, 2024

Microglia control neuronal network excitability via BDNF signalling.

Francesco Ferrini1, Yves De Koninck

  • 1Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, 10095 Turin, Italy.

Neural Plasticity
|October 4, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Microglia release brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that controls neuronal excitability by reducing inhibition. This microglial BDNF pathway offers potential therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A specialized population of hair afferents dedicated to transmitting mechanical itch.

Neuron·2026
Same author

Nucleus raphe magnus serotonin neurones bidirectionally control spinal nociceptive transmission in mice.

British journal of anaesthesia·2026
Same author

Learned spatially varying microscopy model with adaptive point spread functions.

Optics express·2026
Same author

Excessive inhibition in the medial prefrontal cortex contributes to cognitive susceptibility in aging.

Neurobiology of disease·2026
Same author

Changes in the cortical GABAergic inhibitory system in a Spinal Muscular Atrophy mouse model.

Cell death & disease·2026
Same author

Runx1 transcription factor modulates opioid analgesia and withdrawal in humans and rodents.

Neuron·2026

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Biology
  • Neuroimmunology

Background:

  • Microglia-neuron interactions are critical in neurological disorders like epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
  • The precise signaling mechanisms between microglia and neurons remain largely unknown.
  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from microglia is a key exception, influencing neuronal excitability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of microglial BDNF in controlling neuronal excitability through disinhibition.
  • To elucidate the mechanistic paradigm of microglial BDNF signaling.
  • To explore therapeutic potential targeting this pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on microglial BDNF.
  • Analysis of mechanisms for BDNF synthesis and release by microglia.

More Related Videos

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
07:54

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons
08:47

Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons

Published on: July 26, 2024

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
07:54

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

  • Examination of downstream neuronal signaling (TrkB) and biophysical effects.

    • Main Results:

    • Microglial BDNF downregulates the K⁺-Cl⁻ cotransporter KCC2.
    • This disrupts chloride homeostasis and weakens GABA(A) and glycine receptor inhibition.
    • Altered neuronal network activity resulting from this disinhibition contributes to disease pathologies.

    Conclusions:

    • Microglial BDNF is a critical regulator of neuronal inhibition.
    • The described signaling pathway provides a mechanistic link between microglia, neuronal activity, and neurological diseases.
    • Targeting microglial BDNF signaling presents a promising therapeutic strategy for neural dysfunctions.