Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025
Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: February 16, 2018
Identification of oxytocin expression in human and murine microglia
Yuko Maejima1, Shoko Yokota2, Tomoyuki Ono1
1Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; Department of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
Background:
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus. In addition to its role in parturition and lactation, oxytocin mediates social behavior and pair bonding. The possibility of using oxytocin to modify behavior in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, is of clinical interest. Microglia are tissue-resident macrophages with roles in neurogenesis, synapse pruning, and immunological mediation of brain homeostasis. Recently, oxytocin was found to attenuate microglial secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, but the source of this oxytocin was not established. This prompted us to investigate whether microglia themselves were the source.
Methods:
We examined oxytocin expression in human and murine brain tissue in both sexes using immunohistochemistry. Oxytocin mRNA expression and secretion were examined in isolated murine microglia from wild type and oxytocin-knockout mice. Also, secretion of oxytocin and cytokines was measured in cultured microglia (MG6) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Results:
We identified oxytocin expression in microglia of human brain tissue, cultured microglia (MG6), and primary murine microglia. Furthermore, LPS stimulation increased oxytocin mRNA expression in primary murine microglia and MG6 cells, and oxytocin secretion as well. A positive correlation between oxytocin and IL-1β, IL-10 secretion emerged, respectively.
Conclusion:
This may be the first demonstration of oxytocin expression in microglia. Functionally, oxytocin might regulate inflammatory cytokine release from microglia in a paracrine/autocrine manner.
Insights
Researchers discovered that microglia, immune cells in the brain, produce oxytocin. This finding suggests oxytocin may regulate neuroinflammation in a self-acting manner, impacting brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, influences social behavior and is explored for neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Microglia are key immune cells in the brain, regulating homeostasis and inflammation.
- The source of oxytocin that modulates microglial activity was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether microglia themselves are a source of oxytocin.
- To explore the role of microglial oxytocin in regulating inflammatory responses.
Main Methods:
- Examined oxytocin expression in human and murine brain tissue using immunohistochemistry.
- Assessed oxytocin mRNA and secretion in isolated murine microglia and cultured MG6 cells.
- Measured cytokine secretion from microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Main Results:
- Oxytocin expression was identified in human and murine microglia.
- LPS stimulation increased oxytocin mRNA and secretion in microglia.
- A correlation was observed between oxytocin and specific inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-10) secretion.
Conclusions:
- This study provides evidence for oxytocin expression within microglia.
- Oxytocin may regulate microglial inflammatory cytokine release in a paracrine/autocrine fashion.
- This finding opens new avenues for understanding neuroinflammation and potential therapeutic targets.
More Related Videos
09:12Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
05:35Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Microglia in Immunocompetent Mice Brain via Non-Invasive Transnasal Route
Published on: May 31, 2022