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Updated: Aug 3, 2025
In Vivo Chronic Two-Photon Imaging of Microglia in the Mouse Hippocampus
Published on: July 6, 2022
Imaging of microglia in post-stroke inflammation
Ze Wang1, Yaying Song1, Shuwei Bai1
1Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Microglia constantly survey the central nervous system microenvironment and maintain brain homeostasis. Microglia activation, polarization and inflammatory response are of great importance in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. For exploring biochemical processes in vivo, positron emission tomography (PET) is a superior imaging tool. Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), is a validated neuroinflammatory biomarker which is widely used to evaluate various central nervous system (CNS) pathologies in both preclinical and clinical studies. TSPO level can be elevated due to peripheral inflammatory cells infiltration and glial cells activation. Therefore, a clear understanding of the dynamic changes between microglia and TSPO is critical for interpreting PET studies and understanding the pathophysiology after ischemic stroke. Our review discusses alternative biological targets that have attracted considerable interest for the imaging of microglia activation in recent years, and the potential value of imaging of microglia in the assessment of stroke therapies.
Insights
Microglia play a key role in brain homeostasis and stroke pathophysiology. Understanding microglia activation via imaging targets like Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is crucial for stroke research and therapy assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Microglia are crucial for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis.
- Microglia activation, polarization, and inflammatory responses are central to ischemic stroke pathophysiology.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful in vivo imaging tool for biochemical processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microglia and Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) in ischemic stroke.
- To discuss alternative biological targets for imaging microglia activation.
- To evaluate the potential of microglia imaging in assessing stroke therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microglia, neuroinflammation, and PET imaging.
- Analysis of TSPO as a neuroinflammatory biomarker in CNS pathologies.
- Exploration of emerging targets for microglia activation imaging.
Main Results:
- TSPO levels increase with peripheral inflammatory cell infiltration and glial activation.
- Understanding microglia-TSPO dynamics is critical for interpreting PET studies in stroke.
- Several alternative targets for microglia imaging show promise.
Conclusions:
- TSPO is a validated biomarker for neuroinflammation, but its interpretation requires understanding microglia dynamics.
- Imaging microglia activation offers potential for evaluating stroke progression and therapeutic efficacy.
- Further research into novel imaging targets is warranted for improved stroke management.
