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Journal of Neuroinflammation

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Open Access 01-12-2005 | Research

Microglial inflammation in the parkinsonian substantia nigra: relationship to alpha-synuclein deposition

Authors: Emilie Croisier, Linda B Moran, David T Dexter, Ronald KB Pearce, Manuel B Graeber

Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation | Issue 1/2005

Abstract

Background

The role of both microglial activation and alpha-synuclein deposition in Parkinson's disease remain unclear. We have tested the hypothesis that if microglia play a primary role in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis, the microglial "activated" phenotype should be associated with histopathological and/or clinical features of the disease.

Methods

We have examined microglial MHC class II expression, a widely used marker of microglial activation, the occurrence of CD68-positive phagocytes and alpha-synuclein immunoreactivity in post-mortem human substantia nigra affected by idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Using semi-quantitative severity ratings, we have examined the relationship between microglial activation, alpha-synuclein deposition, classical neuropathological criteria for PD, subtype of the disease and clinical course.

Results

While we did not observe an association between microglial MHC class II expression and clinical parameters, we did find a correlation between disease duration and the macrophage marker CD68 which is expressed by phagocytic microglia. In addition, we observed a significant correlation between the degree of MHC class II expression and alpha-synuclein deposition in the substantia nigra in PD.

Conclusion

While microglia appeared to respond to alpha-synuclein deposition, MHC class II antigen expression by microglia in the substantia nigra cannot be used as an indicator of clinical PD severity or disease progression. In addition, a contributory or even causative role for microglia in the neuronal loss associated with PD as suggested by some authors seems unlikely. Our data further suggest that an assessment of microglial activation in the aged brain on the basis of immunohistochemistry for MHC class II antigens alone should be done with caution.

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Title: Microglial inflammation in the parkinsonian substantia nigra: relationship to alpha-synuclein deposition
Authors: Emilie Croisier
Linda B Moran
David T Dexter
Ronald KB Pearce
Manuel B Graeber
Publication date: 01-12-2005
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation / Issue 1/2005
Electronic ISSN: 1742-2094
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-2-14

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Microglial inflammation in the parkinsonian substantia nigra: relationship to alpha-synuclein deposition

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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