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Published on: January 30, 2014
Morphofunctional Features of Microglial Cells during the Administration of Orexin A
1Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia. synchikova@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The neurotransmitter orexin A (1 μl of a solution with a concentration of 0.3 mM) was injected into the second brain ventricle of wild-type C57BL/6 mice; 1 h later, LPS was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 2 mg/kg to activate microglial cells. Administration of orexin A attenuated activation of microglial cells assessed by changes in the length of filopodia. Injection of orexin was followed by an increase in the length of the processes, which indicates a decrease in activity of microglial cells. Using double immunohistochemical staining, we found that the number of microglial cells and orexin A receptors on microglial cells increased after LPS injection. Our findings confirm the participation of orexin A in the modulation of the functional activity of microglial cells.
Insights
Orexin A, a neurotransmitter, was found to reduce microglial cell activation in mice. This suggests orexin A plays a role in modulating microglial cell activity and function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglial cells are key immune cells in the brain.
- Microglial activation is implicated in various neurological conditions.
- Orexin A is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of orexin A on microglial cell activation.
- To explore the role of orexin A in neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Orexin A was administered intracerebroventricularly in wild-type C57BL/6 mice.
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce microglial activation.
- Microglial activation was assessed by filopodia length changes.
- Double immunohistochemical staining was employed to quantify cell numbers and receptor expression.
Main Results:
- Orexin A administration attenuated microglial activation, indicated by increased process length.
- LPS injection led to an increase in microglial cell numbers and orexin A receptor expression on these cells.
- Findings suggest orexin A modulates microglial cell functional activity.
Conclusions:
- Orexin A exhibits a modulatory effect on microglial cell activity.
- The orexin A system may be a potential target for managing neuroinflammatory conditions.
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