Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

Intravital Imaging of Axonal Interactions with Microglia and Macrophages in a Mouse Dorsal Column Crush Injury
08:43

Intravital Imaging of Axonal Interactions with Microglia and Macrophages in a Mouse Dorsal Column Crush Injury

Published on: November 23, 2014

13.3K

The role of the microglia in acute CNS injury

Masahito Kawabori1, Midori A Yenari

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.

Metabolic Brain Disease
|April 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, have dual roles in central nervous system (CNS) injury. This review explores their harmful and helpful effects, and potential therapeutic targets for CNS repair.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are the primary immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), maintaining homeostasis and providing defense.
  • They play crucial roles in immune defense, immunocompetence, and phagocytosis within the brain and spinal cord.
  • Microglia are essential for tissue homeostasis and act as the initial host defense system in the CNS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements concerning the dual effects of microglia in acute CNS injury.
  • To explore the beneficial and deleterious impacts of microglial activation.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic interventions targeting microglial activation for CNS injury.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific publications.
  • Analysis of microglial responses in the context of acute CNS injury.
  • Synthesis of information on therapeutic strategies for modulating microglial activity.

Main Results:

  • Microglial activation presents a dual response, potentially exacerbating acute CNS injury while also being vital for recovery.
  • Microglial responses develop over hours to days, offering a therapeutic window.
  • Selective suppression of detrimental microglial effects without compromising beneficial functions is a key challenge.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia exhibit complex roles in acute CNS injury, necessitating a nuanced therapeutic approach.
  • Understanding the full spectrum of microglial mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Targeting microglial activation holds promise for improving outcomes in CNS injury.

More Related Videos

Identifying Microglia and Peripheral Infiltrating Macrophages in the Injured Spinal Cords Using Flow Cytometry08:47

Identifying Microglia and Peripheral Infiltrating Macrophages in the Injured Spinal Cords Using Flow Cytometry

Published on: June 24, 2025

926
Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation10:21

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: February 16, 2018

19.5K

Related Concept Videos

Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
46.6K
Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response01:26

Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response

Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect...
94
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue01:15

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
2.1K
Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview
75.2K
Acute Inflammation I: Cellular Phase01:26

Acute Inflammation I: Cellular Phase

The cellular phase of acute inflammation is a tightly orchestrated sequence of events that recruits leukocytes, primarily neutrophils, to sites of tissue injury or infection. Following the initial vascular changes, this phase ensures effective immune cell migration, activation, and function at the affected site to eliminate pathogens and initiate tissue repair.Leukocyte Recruitment CascadeLeukocyte recruitment happens in four steps: margination, adhesion, transmigration, and chemotaxis. Reduced...
82
Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial...
12.0K