Resting microglial cells are highly dynamic surveillants of brain parenchyma in vivo.
Microglial cells represent the immune system of the mammalian brain and therefore are critically involved in various injuries and diseases. Little is known about their role in the healthy brain and their immediate reaction to brain damage. By using in vivo two-photon imaging in neocortex, we found that microglial cells are highly active in their presumed resting state, continually surveying their microenvironment with extremely motile processes and protrusions. Furthermore, blood-brain barrier disruption provoked immediate and focal activation of microglia, switching their behavior from patroling to shielding of the injured site. Microglia thus are busy and vigilant housekeepers in the adult brain.
Nimmerjahn
Axel
A
Abteilung Zellphysiologie, Max Planck Institut für Medizinische Forschung, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Kirchhoff
Frank
F
Helmchen
Fritjof
F
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001640:Bicuculline / Q000494:pharmacology; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D002196:Capillaries / Q000293:injuries; D002465:Cell Movement; D022081:Cell Surface Extensions / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018756:GABA Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D007834:Lasers; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D017628:Microglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D019579:Neocortex / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D011554:Pseudopodia / Q000502:physiology; D026941:Sodium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D013779:Tetrodotoxin / Q000494:pharmacology
D018756:GABA Antagonists; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D026941:Sodium Channel Blockers; C485184:enhanced green fluorescent protein; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D013779:Tetrodotoxin; D001640:Bicuculline