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Updated: Nov 15, 2025
In Vivo Chronic Two-Photon Imaging of Microglia in the Mouse Hippocampus
Published on: July 6, 2022
Time-lapse Whole-field Fluorescence Imaging of Microglia ProcessesMotility in Acute Mouse Hippocampal Slices and
Bernadette Basilico1, Barbara Cortese2, Patrizia Ratano1,2
1Dept of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). In the last year, the improvements in the transgenic mouse technologies and imaging techniques have shed light on microglia functions under physiological conditions. Microglia continuously scan the brain parenchyma with their highly motile processes, maintaining tissue homeostasis and participating in neuronal circuits refinement. Here, we describe a protocol that enables us to perform time-lapse imaging of microglial cells in acute hippocampal slices, making image acquisition possible on an electrophysiology rig equipped with a standard imaging system. Using this ex vivo approach, we investigated microglial processes scanning abilities under physiological condition in hippocampus.
Insights
Researchers developed a new method for time-lapse imaging of microglia, the brain's immune cells. This technique allows detailed observation of how microglia interact with brain tissue under normal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are the primary immune cells within the central nervous system (CNS).
- Recent advancements in transgenic mouse models and imaging technologies have enhanced our understanding of microglia functions in physiological states.
- Microglia play crucial roles in maintaining brain homeostasis and refining neural circuits through continuous surveillance of the brain parenchyma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel protocol for time-lapse imaging of microglial cells in acute hippocampal slices.
- To enable high-resolution imaging of microglial dynamics using standard electrophysiology and imaging equipment.
- To investigate the process-scanning capabilities of microglia in the hippocampus under physiological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Development of an ex vivo protocol for live imaging of microglial cells.
- Utilizing acute hippocampal slices from transgenic mice.
- Employing an electrophysiology rig integrated with a standard imaging system for time-lapse microscopy.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of a protocol for time-lapse imaging of microglia in acute hippocampal slices.
- Demonstration of the ability to observe microglial process dynamics in real-time.
- Acquisition of data on microglial scanning behaviors within the hippocampal tissue.
Conclusions:
- The described ex vivo method provides a valuable tool for studying microglial behavior in the CNS.
- This protocol facilitates the investigation of microglial functions under physiological conditions in a specific brain region.
- The findings contribute to a better understanding of how microglia contribute to brain health and function.
