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Published on: June 17, 2008
Tracing of fluoro-gold prelabeled microglia injected into the adult rat brain
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida Brain Institute, Gainesville 32610, USA.
Abstract:
In light of a recent interest in the transplantation of cultured microglial cells, we have examined the use of the fluorescent dye Fluoro-Gold (FG) as a tracer for these cells. Following injection into the adult rat brain, FG prelabeled microglial cells were readily traceable for up to 2 weeks with minimal labeling of endogenous cell populations. Some of the injected cells differentiated into ramified microglial cells as a result of exposure to the adult CNS environment. Injection of free FG into the adult rat brain resulted in the widespread labeling of neurons and perivascular cells, but not endogenous microglial cells, indicating that perivascular cells, but not resting microglia, are actively pinocytotic cells of the CNS. Our results show that FG is an effective label for the tracing of transplanted microglial cells.
Insights
Fluorescent dye Fluoro-Gold (FG) effectively traces transplanted microglial cells in rat brains for up to two weeks. This method aids research into microglial cell transplantation and CNS cell activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interest in microglial cell transplantation is growing.
- A reliable method for tracing transplanted cells is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Fluoro-Gold (FG) as a tracer for cultured microglial cells.
- To investigate the behavior and differentiation of transplanted microglial cells in the adult rat brain.
- To assess the pinocytotic activity of CNS cells.
Main Methods:
- Adult rats were injected with FG-prelabeled microglial cells.
- Cell tracing was performed for up to 2 weeks.
- Free FG was injected to label endogenous CNS cells.
Main Results:
- FG-prelabeled microglial cells were traceable for up to 2 weeks with minimal labeling of other cell types.
- Injected microglial cells differentiated into ramified forms in the adult CNS.
- Free FG labeled neurons and perivascular cells, but not endogenous microglia, suggesting perivascular cells are actively pinocytotic.
Conclusions:
- Fluoro-Gold (FG) is an effective tracer for transplanted microglial cells.
- Transplanted microglial cells can integrate and differentiate within the adult CNS.
- Perivascular cells exhibit active pinocytosis in the CNS.
