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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Optimization of Laser-Capture Microdissection for the Isolation of Enteric Ganglia from Fresh-Frozen Human Tissue
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Intraganglionic macrophages: a new population of cells in the enteric ganglia

David Dora1, Emily Arciero2, Ryo Hotta2

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.

Journal of Anatomy
|July 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered a new type of immune cell, intraganglionic macrophages (IMs), within the enteric nervous system. These microglia-like cells share features with central nervous system counterparts, expanding our understanding of gut immunity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The enteric nervous system (ENS) shares similarities with the central nervous system (CNS).
  • The CNS contains microglia, immune cells similar to macrophages, but a comparable cell type was not previously identified in the ENS.
  • This study investigates the presence and characteristics of such cells in enteric ganglia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel cell population within enteric ganglia.
  • To determine the origin and immune profile of these cells.
  • To explore their relationship to CNS microglia.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry to identify cell markers (CD45, MHC class II, chB6).
  • Intestinal chimeras in GFP-transgenic chick embryos to trace cell origins.
  • Analysis of cell populations in avian and rodent models (CSF1RGFP chicken, CX3CR1GFP mice).

Main Results:

  • A population of highly ramified macrophages, termed intraganglionic macrophages (IMs), was identified in enteric ganglia.
  • IMs express CD45, MHC class II, and chB6, indicating a hematopoietic origin.
  • Chimeric studies confirmed the hematopoietic origin of IMs in the ENS.
  • IMs were observed in both avian and rodent enteric ganglia.

Conclusions:

  • Intraganglionic macrophages (IMs) represent a novel, non-neural crest-derived, microglia-like cell population in the ENS.
  • These cells are distinct from other immune cells like T cells and dendritic cells.
  • The findings suggest a conserved role for microglia-like cells in both the CNS and ENS.
Keywords:
CSF1RCX3CR1enteric gangliaenteric nervous systemmacrophagesmicroglia

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