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Microglia in the prenatal mouse neostriatum and spinal cord
Abstract:
The neostriatum and spinal cord of embryonic and fetal mice were examined to determine the identity of prenatal phagocytes and the differentiation of microglia. In the neostriatum amoeboid microglia were present from E13 and were phagocytosing cellular debris. A wide variety of forms was present, from microglia with extremely vacuolated cytoplasm to some with virtually no vacuoles. Both types were observed in the process of mitotic division. In the spinal cord microglia could be identified in both white and grey matter from E 12 onwards. Between E12 and E15 large phagocytic cells were present, especially in the ventral horns. These appear to be macrophages, probably derived from blood monocytes. It was possible to construct a structural sequence of differentiation of these large macrophages into microglia. Amoeboid microglia with large vacuoles were not present in the prenatal spinal cord. Both actively phagocytic macrophages and microglia were found undergoing mitosis.
Insights
Prenatal microglia and macrophages in mouse neostriatum and spinal cord were identified. Macrophages differentiate into microglia, with both cell types actively phagocytosing and dividing during development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system.
- Understanding their prenatal origins and differentiation is crucial for developmental neuroscience.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the identity and roles of prenatal phagocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify prenatal phagocytes in the embryonic and fetal mouse neostriatum and spinal cord.
- To investigate the differentiation process of microglia during prenatal development.
- To characterize the morphology and cell division of these early immune cells.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of embryonic and fetal mouse neostriatum and spinal cord.
- Morphological analysis of phagocytic cells, including microglia and potential macrophages.
- Observation of cellular processes such as phagocytosis and mitotic division.
Main Results:
- Amoeboid microglia phagocytosing debris were observed in the neostriatum from embryonic day 13 (E13).
- In the spinal cord, large phagocytic cells, likely blood monocyte-derived macrophages, were present between E12 and E15, differentiating into microglia.
- Both macrophages and microglia were found to be mitotically active in both examined regions.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages derived from blood monocytes differentiate into microglia during prenatal development.
- Both microglia and macrophages are actively phagocytic and proliferative during embryonic and fetal development.
- The study provides a structural sequence for macrophage differentiation into microglia in the prenatal mouse central nervous system.