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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model
Published on: July 12, 2024
Early-life stress increases the motility of microglia in adulthood
Yusuke Takatsuru1, Junichi Nabekura, Tatsuya Ishikawa
1Department of Integrative Physiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan, takatsur@gunma-u.ac.jp.
Abstract:
Early-life stress may cause several neuropsychological disorders in adulthood. Such disorders may be induced as a result of instability of neuronal circuits and/or synaptic formation. However, the mechanisms underlying such instability have not yet been clearly understood. We previously reported that the mushroom spine in the somatosensory cortex (SSC) is unstable in early-life stressed mice not only in the juvenile stage but also in adulthood. In this study, we measured the number and motility of microglial processes in early-life stressed mice to understand the mechanism further. We found that the number and motility of filopodia-like protrusions of microglial processes tended to increase in the SSC of early-life stressed mice. Interestingly, the motility of protrusions correlated significantly with the nociceptive threshold level measured by the von Frey test. These results indicated that the activity of microglia affected the neuronal function in early-life stressed mice.
Insights
Early-life stress increases microglial process activity in the somatosensory cortex, potentially impacting neuronal function and contributing to adult neuropsychological disorders. This highlights microglia
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimmunology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Early-life stress (ELS) is linked to adult neuropsychological disorders.
- Neuronal circuit and synaptic instability are proposed mechanisms for ELS-induced disorders.
- Previous research showed unstable mushroom spines in the somatosensory cortex (SSC) of ELS mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microglia in the instability of neuronal circuits following ELS.
- To further understand the mechanisms underlying synaptic instability in ELS mice.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of microglial process number and motility in the SSC of ELS mice.
- Assessment of nociceptive thresholds using the von Frey test.
Main Results:
- An increase in the number and motility of filopodia-like protrusions of microglial processes was observed in the SSC of ELS mice.
- A significant correlation was found between microglial protrusion motility and the nociceptive threshold.
Conclusions:
- Microglial activity, specifically increased microglial process motility, is implicated in the pathophysiology of ELS.
- These findings suggest that microglia play a critical role in modulating neuronal function and may contribute to the long-term effects of early-life stress.
