Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Simultaneous Imaging of Microglial Dynamics and Neuronal Activity in Awake Mice
Published on: August 23, 2022
Microglia bridge brain activity and blood pressure
1Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, Department of Laboratory Animal Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, MOE Innovative Center for New Drug Development of Immune Inflammatory Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
Abstract:
Our brain is not an immune-privileged island isolated from peripheries, but how non-neuronal brain cells interact with the peripheral system is not well understood. Wei et al. report that microglia in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) with unique vasculature can detect ATP derived from hemodynamic disturbance. These microglia in the PVN regulate the response to hypertension via ATP-P2Y12-C/EBPβ signaling.
Insights
Microglia in the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- The brain's interaction with the peripheral system is not fully understood.
- Non-neuronal brain cells' roles in systemic regulation require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how microglia in the brain's paraventricular nucleus (PVN) detect peripheral signals.
- To elucidate the signaling pathway by which these microglia regulate hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Utilized techniques to study microglia in the PVN.
- Investigated the detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by these cells.
- Analyzed the ATP-P2Y12-C/EBPβ signaling pathway.
Main Results:
- Microglia in the PVN possess unique vasculature allowing detection of peripheral signals.
- These microglia detect adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released during hemodynamic disturbances.
- The ATP-P2Y12-C/EBPβ signaling pathway in PVN microglia regulates the response to hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Brain microglia are not isolated and can sense peripheral changes.
- PVN microglia play a critical role in regulating blood pressure.
- The identified signaling pathway offers a potential target for hypertension treatment.
More Related Videos
12:48In Vivo Dynamics of Retinal Microglial Activation During Neurodegeneration: Confocal Ophthalmoscopic Imaging and Cell Morphometry in Mouse Glaucoma
Published on: May 11, 2015
09:12Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:18Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...
00:49The Blood-brain Barrier