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Ultrastructural study on the origin of rat microglia cells
J Boya1, A L Carbonell, J Calvo
1Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Acta Anatomica
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Microglial cells, the immune cells of the brain, originate from mesodermal sources. These cells invade the nervous system from meningeal membranes and vascular adventitia, with pericytes also potentially contributing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Microglial cells are the primary immune cells residing in the central nervous system.
- Their developmental origins and sources have been a subject of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural origin of microglial cells in the developing rat brain.
- To identify the specific mesodermal sources contributing to microglial populations.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural analysis of albino rat brains.
- Examination of brain tissue from embryonic day 17 to postnatal day 35.
Main Results:
- Macrophagic cells originating from mesodermal sources were observed invading the nervous parenchyma.
- The primary sources identified were the meningeal membranes and vascular adventitia.
- Evidence suggests that pericytes may also contribute to microglial cell formation.
Conclusions:
- Microglial cells are derived from extrinsic mesodermal cells that migrate into the brain.
- Meningeal membranes and vascular adventitia are key sources of microglial precursors.
- Pericytes represent a potential additional source for microglial development.