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Microglia in invertebrate ganglia
D Sonetti1, E Ottaviani, F Bianchi
1Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena, Italy.
Summary
This study reveals invertebrate microglia-like cells in insects and molluscs, sharing immune functions and responding to morphine similarly to vertebrate counterparts. These findings support a conserved role for these cells across species.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Vertebrate microglia are crucial immune cells in the central nervous system.
- The existence and function of analogous cells in invertebrates have been debated.
- Understanding invertebrate immune cells can provide insights into conserved biological mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of microglia-like neuroglial cells in invertebrates.
- To compare the functional and biochemical properties of these invertebrate cells with vertebrate microglia and immunocytes.
- To explore the response of these cells to morphine and its implications for conserved opiate receptor function.
Main Methods:
- Excision and in vitro culture of ganglia from molluscs (Planorbarius corneus, Mytilus edulis) and an insect (Leucophaea maderae).
- Observation of cell migration, conformational changes, and functional assays (motility, phagocytosis, adherence).
- Biochemical analysis for cytokines and corticotropin; investigation of morphine's effect on cell behavior and opiate receptor binding.
Main Results:
- Invertebrate ganglia cultures yielded migrating cells exhibiting activation-like conformational changes.
- These cells demonstrated immunocyte-like functions: motility, phagocytosis, and adherence.
- Morphine exposure altered cell migration and activation in a dose-dependent, naloxone-sensitive manner, mediated by mu 3 opiate receptors, paralleling effects in vertebrate immunocytes.
Conclusions:
- Distinct neuroglial cells comparable to vertebrate microglia exist in insects and molluscs.
- These invertebrate microglia-like cells share structural, functional, and biochemical similarities with immunocytes.
- The conserved response to morphine suggests a common evolutionary origin and function of these cells and their associated opiate receptors across vertebrates and invertebrates.