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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Microglial Activation in the Neurodevelopment: A Narrative Review
Airam Barbosa de Moura1, Morgana Sonza Abitante1, Ritele Hernandez Silva1
1Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Abstract:
Microglia are immune cells found in the central nervous system (CNS) involved in infection combat and cellular debris clean. These glial cells are involved in synaptogenesis during brain development by their interactions with neurons and other glial cells. These relations are associated with the secretion of signaling molecules, such as chemokines and neurotrophic factors. Microglia cells influence synapsis and neuron morphology during different phases of development. Also, other systems, for example, gut microbiota, indirectly affect microglial functions and morphology. Several factors that can occur in different development periods, including intrauterine through adult life, could impact microglia. Impairment in these cells could be associated with the development of some psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and depression. This review focuses on describing microglia functions in the maintenance of CNS and how they are associated with other systems, as the gutmicrobiota brain axis and environmental stressors, such as stress, maternal deprivation, sleep deprivation, immune activation, and ethanol exposure, that can influence the function of the microglia during neurodevelopment.
Insights
Microglia, the CNS immune cells, are crucial for brain development and function. Environmental factors and gut microbiota impact microglia, influencing neurodevelopment and psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Microglia are central nervous system (CNS) immune cells vital for infection control and debris clearance.
- These glial cells play a role in synaptogenesis and neuron morphology during brain development through interactions with neurons and other glial cells.
- Microglial function and morphology are influenced by external systems, including the gut microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microglia functions in CNS maintenance.
- To explore the association of microglia with the gut-brain axis and environmental stressors.
- To understand how factors like stress, maternal deprivation, sleep deprivation, immune activation, and ethanol exposure impact microglia during neurodevelopment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on microglia.
- Analysis of the role of microglia in neurodevelopment.
- Examination of the influence of environmental factors and the gut microbiota on microglia.
Main Results:
- Microglia secrete signaling molecules (chemokines, neurotrophic factors) influencing neuronal connections and morphology.
- Various factors across developmental periods (in utero to adulthood) can affect microglia.
- Impairment in microglia is linked to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and depression.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are essential for CNS health and neurodevelopment.
- The gut-brain axis and environmental stressors significantly impact microglial function.
- Understanding these influences is critical for addressing neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
