Physiology of microglial cells.
Microglial cells in culture and in situ express a defined pattern of K(+) channels, which is distinct from that of other glial cells and neurons. This pattern undergoes defined changes with microglial activation. As expected for a cell with immunological properties, microglia express a variety of cytokine and chemokine receptors, which are linked to the mobilization of Ca(2+) (cytosolic free calcium) from internal stores. Microglial cells also have the capacity to respond to neuronal activity: they express receptors for the major excitatory receptor glutamate and the main inhibitory receptor GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid). By expressing purinergic receptors, microglia can sense astrocyte activity in the form of Ca(2+) waves. Activation of transmitter receptors can affect cytokine release which is a potential means as to how brain activity can affect immune function.
Färber
Katrin
K
Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
Kettenmann
Helmut
H
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D017628:Microglia / Q000502:physiology*; D009457:Neuroglia; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D018079:Receptors, GABA / Q000378:metabolism; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000378:metabolism; D011983:Receptors, Purinergic / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D015221:Potassium Channels; D018079:Receptors, GABA; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate; D011983:Receptors, Purinergic; D002118:Calcium