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Microglial expression of the prion protein
D R Brown1, A Besinger, J W Herms
1MRC Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, UK.
Neuroreport
|June 19, 1998
Summary
The prion protein (PrPc) is found in microglia, immune cells in the brain. Its presence enhances microglial activation and response to bacterial endotoxin, highlighting its importance for microglial function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The prion protein (PrPc) is a normal cellular protein expressed by neurons and astrocytes.
- An altered isoform, PrPSc, is implicated in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of PrPc in microglia.
- To determine the functional significance of PrPc expression in microglia.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry to detect PrPc expression in microglia.
- In vitro assays to assess microglial activation, superoxide production, and proliferation in response to bacterial endotoxin.
Main Results:
- Microglia were found to express PrPc.
- Increased PrPc expression enhanced microglial sensitivity to activation.
- Bacterial endotoxin-induced superoxide production and proliferation inhibition were more pronounced in PrPc-expressing microglia.
Conclusions:
- Microglia express the prion protein (PrPc).
- PrPc expression is crucial for modulating microglial activation and response to inflammatory stimuli.
- PrPc plays a significant role in the normal function of microglia in the central nervous system.