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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Author Spotlight: Assessing Ischemic Stroke Damage Through Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model
Published on: August 11, 2023
Increased CD68/TGFβ Co-expressing Microglia/ Macrophages after Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rhesus
Hyeon-Gu Yeo1,2, Jung Joo Hong1, Youngjeon Lee1,2
1National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju 28116, Korea.
Abstract:
The function of microglia/macrophages after ischemic stroke is poorly understood. This study examines the role of microglia/macrophages in the focal infarct area after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rhesus monkeys. We measured infarct volume and neurological function by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and non-human primate stroke scale (NHPSS), respectively, to assess temporal changes following MCAO. Activated phagocytic microglia/macrophages were examined by immunohistochemistry in post-mortem brains (n=6 MCAO, n=2 controls) at 3 and 24 hours (acute stage), 2 and 4 weeks (subacute stage), and 4, and 20 months (chronic stage) following MCAO. We found that the infarct volume progressively decreased between 1 and 4 weeks following MCAO, in parallel with the neurological recovery. Greater presence of cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68)-expressing microglia/macrophages was detected in the infarct lesion in the subacute and chronic stage, compared to the acute stage. Surprisingly, 98~99% of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) was found co-localized with CD68-expressing cells. CD68-expressing microglia/macrophages, rather than CD206+ cells, may exert anti-inflammatory effects by secreting TGFβ after the subacute stage of ischemic stroke. CD68+ microglia/macrophages can therefore be used as a potential therapeutic target.
Insights
Microglia/macrophages play a key role in stroke recovery. CD68-expressing cells secrete TGF-β, suggesting an anti-inflammatory role and potential therapeutic target in ischemic stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- The role of microglia/macrophages in ischemic stroke is not fully understood.
- Understanding these cells' function is crucial for developing effective stroke therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of microglia/macrophages in the infarct area after ischemic stroke.
- To determine the temporal changes and cellular interactions following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkeys underwent transient MCAO.
- Infarct volume and neurological function were assessed using MRI and NHPSS.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to examine microglia/macrophages (CD68+, CD206+) and TGF-β expression at various time points.
Main Results:
- Infarct volume decreased, correlating with neurological recovery between 1 and 4 weeks post-MCAO.
- Increased CD68+ microglia/macrophages were observed in subacute and chronic stages.
- High co-localization of TGF-β with CD68+ cells suggests an anti-inflammatory role.
Conclusions:
- CD68+ microglia/macrophages, potentially via TGF-β secretion, may exert anti-inflammatory effects post-stroke.
- These cells represent a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke treatment.
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