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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Simultaneous Imaging of Microglial Dynamics and Neuronal Activity in Awake Mice

Simultaneous Imaging of Microglial Dynamics and Neuronal Activity in Awake Mice

Published on: August 23, 2022

Assessing Microglial Dynamics by Live Imaging.

Megumi Andoh¹, Ryuta Koyama¹

¹Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Frontiers in Immunology

|March 25, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Live imaging allows real-time observation of microglia, the brain's immune cells. This review explores methods for studying microglial behavior in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro, detailing their pros and cons.

Keywords:

acute slice microglia microglial motility microglial process multiphoton/two-photon imaging quadripartite synapse slice culture synapse

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Precise Brain Mapping to Perform Repetitive In Vivo Imaging of Neuro-Immune Dynamics in Mice

Precise Brain Mapping to Perform Repetitive In Vivo Imaging of Neuro-Immune Dynamics in Mice

Published on: August 7, 2020

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Cell Biology

Background:

Microglia are dynamic brain immune cells involved in migration, proliferation, and phagocytosis.
Live imaging is crucial for understanding microglial regulation and environmental interactions.
Microglial states can be altered by the stress of in vivo and in vitro imaging conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review live imaging techniques for studying microglial behavior.
To compare the advantages and disadvantages of in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro imaging systems.
To outline the physiological significance and molecular mechanisms of microglial behavior revealed by live imaging.

Main Methods:

Discussion of various experimental conditions developed to overcome challenges in live microglial imaging.
Comparison of in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro live imaging systems.
Analysis of limitations associated with each imaging approach.

Main Results:

Live imaging of surveillant microglia is now possible in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro, despite limitations.
The choice of imaging system depends on specific research objectives.
Live imaging has elucidated key aspects of microglial physiological significance and molecular mechanisms.

Conclusions:

Live imaging techniques offer valuable insights into microglial dynamics.
Researchers can select appropriate live imaging systems based on their study's goals.
Understanding microglial behavior through live imaging is critical for neuroscience and immunology research.