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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Genesis of resting microglia in the gray matter of mouse hippocampus
Abstract:
The genesis of resting microglia in the gray matter of mouse hippocampus was studied by 3H-thymidine autoradiography in combination with electron microscopy. Newborn mice were injected with 3H-thymidine singly or repeatedly at different postnatal stages, and killed shortly after the injection or after various intervals. Tissue specimens of the hippocampus at CA1 and CA2 were processed for light and electron microscopic autoradiography. The results showed that at least 91% of glial cells in the stratum radiatum of the hippocampus are produced after birth. About three-fourths of astroglia in this area are produced before the sixth postnatal day, and a larger part of resting microglia are formed after the ninth postnatal day. Morphological transition can be traced from either proliferating cells in the stratum radiatum at late postnatal days to resting microglia, or from those in early postnatal days to astroglia. A continuous morphological transition was observed between the proliferating cells at the late postnatal days (microglial production period) and those at the early postnatal days (astroglial production period). The latter retain some fine structural characteristics similar to small glioblasts in the subependymal layer. These findings strongly suggest that resting microglia, as well as astroglia, are derived from glioblasts, and are of neurectodermal origin.
Insights
Resting microglia and astroglia in mouse hippocampus develop after birth from glioblasts. This study reveals their neurectodermal origin through cell proliferation and morphological transitions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia and astroglia are key glial cells in the central nervous system.
- Understanding the origin of these cells is crucial for neurodevelopmental research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the postnatal genesis of resting microglia in the mouse hippocampus.
- To determine the origin and developmental timeline of hippocampal astroglia and microglia.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3H-thymidine autoradiography combined with electron microscopy.
- Injected newborn mice with 3H-thymidine at various postnatal stages.
- Analyzed hippocampal tissue (CA1 and CA2) using light and electron microscopic autoradiography.
Main Results:
- Over 91% of hippocampal glial cells in the stratum radiatum are produced postnatally.
- Astroglia primarily develop before postnatal day 6; microglia develop after postnatal day 9.
- Observed continuous morphological transitions from proliferating cells to both astroglia and microglia.
Conclusions:
- Resting microglia and astroglia originate from glioblasts.
- These glial cells are of neurectodermal origin.
- Postnatal neurogenesis contributes significantly to glial cell populations in the hippocampus.
