• Science · Nov 2010

    Review

    Changing face of microglia.

    • Manuel B Graeber.
    • Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia. manuel@graeber.net
    • Science. 2010 Nov 5;330(6005):783-8.

    AbstractMicroglia are resident brain cells that sense pathological tissue alterations. They can develop into brain macrophages and perform immunological functions. However, expression of immune proteins by microglia is not synonymous with inflammation, because these molecules can have central nervous system (CNS)-specific roles. Through their involvement in pain mechanisms, microglia also respond to external threats. Experimental studies support the idea that microglia have a role in the maintenance of synaptic integrity. Analogous to electricians, they are capable of removing defunct axon terminals, thereby helping neuronal connections to stay intact. Microglia in healthy CNS tissue do not qualify as macrophages, and their specific functions are beginning to be explored.

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