Microglia, macrophages, perivascular macrophages, and pericytes: a review of function and identification.
The phenotypic differentiation of systemic macrophages that have infiltrated the central nervous system, pericytes, perivascular macrophages, and the "real" resident microglial cells is a major immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical concern for all users of cultures of brain cells and brain sections. It is not only important in assessing the purity of cell cultures; it is also of fundamental importance in the assessment of the pathogenetic significance of perivascular inflammatory phenomena within the brain. The lack of a single membranous and/or biochemical marker allowing conclusive identification of these cells is still a major problem in neurobiology. This review briefly discusses the functions of these cells and catalogs a large number of membranous and biochemical markers, which can assist in the identification of these cells.
Guillemin
Gilles J
GJ
Centre for Immunology, Neuroimmunology Department, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia. G.Guillemin@cfi.unsw.edu.au
Brew
Bruce J
BJ
D015415:Biomarkers; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D017628:Microglia / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D020286:Pericytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology
D015415:Biomarkers