Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025
09:12
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
16.1K
Microglia as Central Protagonists in the Chronic Stress Response
1From the Institute for Molecular Medicine (E.S., A.W.), University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (A.W.), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz; and Research Center for Immunotherapy (A.W.), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany.
Neurology(R) Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Chronic stress activates microglia, the brain's immune cells, leading to changes that may contribute to psychiatric conditions. Understanding this link is key to developing new treatments for stress-related disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Chronic stress is a significant risk factor for psychiatric disorders.
- Stress elevates stress hormones and activates the immune system, increasing proinflammatory cytokines and immune cells.
- Chronic stress alters microglia, the central nervous system's (CNS) resident immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the activation mechanisms of microglia during chronic stress.
- To describe the impact of microglia on the CNS environment under stress.
- To highlight the role of microglia in stress-induced psychopathologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on chronic stress and microglia.
- Analysis of rodent models demonstrating stress-induced microglial changes.
- Examination of cytokine production, reactive oxygen species, and phagocytosis by microglia.
Main Results:
- Chronic stress activates microglia in specific brain regions.
- Microglial activation involves changes in phenotype and function.
- Microglia contribute to CNS changes via cytokine release, ROS production, and phagocytosis.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are key players in the CNS response to chronic stress.
- Microglial activation by chronic stress is implicated in the development of psychopathologies.
- Targeting microglial pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for stress-related mental health conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
61.1K
The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
61.1K
01:24Physiological Foundation of Stress
142
Stress triggers a coordinated physiological response involving the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dual activation ensures that the body is prepared for both immediate and prolonged stress management. The process begins with the perception of a stressor. This initial phase activates the SNS, leading to the rapid release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
142
01:30Stress and Mental Health
198
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
198
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
56
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
56
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
86
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
86
01:21Stress Response System
150
The stress response system, also known as the fight-or-flight response, is the body's automatic physiological reaction to perceived threats. Hans Selye introduced the concept of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) to describe the predictable pattern of changes that occur in response to stress. GAS consists of three sequential stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. This model helps explain how chronic stress can contribute to health problems.
Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's...
Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's...
150