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Glial Cells

Glial Cells

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

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...

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Updated: Mar 10, 2026

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

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

Published on: April 13, 2017

Microglia in Physiology and Disease.

Susanne A Wolf¹, H W G M Boddeke², Helmut Kettenmann¹

¹Cellular Neurosciences, Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 13092, Germany;

Annual Review of Physiology

|December 14, 2016

Summary

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are vital for brain function and respond diversely to health, aging, and disease. Understanding their phenotypes and modulation is key for potential treatments.

Keywords:

aging brain macrophages immune responses neurodegeneration pathology phagocytosis priming synaptic pruning

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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

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Last Updated: Mar 10, 2026

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

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Published on: April 13, 2017

Immunofluorescence Staining Using IBA1 and TMEM119 for Microglial Density, Morphology and Peripheral Myeloid Cell Infiltration Analysis in Mouse Brain

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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Cell Biology

Background:

Microglia are the brain's resident immune cells, essential for maintaining neural homeostasis.
They exhibit diverse phenotypes and functions in response to various stimuli and pathological conditions.
Their role extends from early development through aging and disease states.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the diverse phenotypes and responses of microglia in different physiological and pathological contexts.
To review the impact of lifestyle factors on microglial activation and function.
To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting microglial modulation.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on microglia in health, aging, and disease.
Analysis of research on lifestyle impacts on microglial function.
Synthesis of current knowledge on microglial-modulating treatments.

Main Results:

Microglia display a wide range of activation states depending on the specific pathology or stressor.
Both aging and disease states significantly alter microglial phenotypes and functions.
Lifestyle factors demonstrably influence microglial responses, offering potential avenues for intervention.

Conclusions:

Microglial phenotype diversity is critical for understanding brain function and dysfunction.
Targeting microglial responses presents a promising therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders.
Further research into lifestyle interventions can optimize microglial health and brain resilience.