Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation 1/2007

Open Access 01-12-2007 | Review

Microglial cells in astroglial cultures: a cautionary note

Author: Josep Saura

Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation | Issue 1/2007

Login to get access

Abstract

Primary rodent astroglial-enriched cultures are the most popular model to study astroglial biology in vitro. From the original methods described in the 1970's a great number of minor modifications have been incorporated into these protocols by different laboratories. These protocols result in cultures in which the astrocyte is the predominant cell type, but astrocytes are never 100% of cells in these preparations. The aim of this review is to bring attention to the presence of microglia in astroglial cultures because, in my opinion, the proportion of and the role that microglial cells play in astroglial cultures are often underestimated. The main problem with ignoring microglia in these cultures is that relatively minor amounts of microglia can be responsible for effects observed on cultures in which the astrocyte is the most abundant cell type. If the relative contributions of astrocytes and microglia are not properly assessed an observed effect can be erroneously attributed to the astrocytes. In order to illustrate this point the case of NO production in activated astroglial-enriched cultures is examined. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces nitric oxide (NO) production in astroglial-enriched cultures and this effect is very often attributed to astrocytes. However, a careful review of the published data suggests that LPS-induced NO production in rodent astroglial-enriched cultures is likely to be mainly microglial in origin. This review considers cell culture protocol factors that can affect the proportion of microglial cells in astroglial cultures, strategies to minimize the proportion of microglia in these cultures, and specific markers that allow the determination of such microglial proportions.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Pellerin L: How astrocytes feed hungry neurons. Mol Neurobiol. 2005, 32: 59-72. 10.1385/MN:32:1:059.CrossRefPubMed Pellerin L: How astrocytes feed hungry neurons. Mol Neurobiol. 2005, 32: 59-72. 10.1385/MN:32:1:059.CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Araque A, Perea G: Glial modulation of synaptic transmission in culture. Glia. 2004, 47: 241-248. 10.1002/glia.20026.CrossRefPubMed Araque A, Perea G: Glial modulation of synaptic transmission in culture. Glia. 2004, 47: 241-248. 10.1002/glia.20026.CrossRefPubMed
3.
go back to reference Abbott NJ, Ronnback L, Hansson E: Astrocyte-endothelial interactions at the blood-brain barrier. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2006, 7: 41-53. 10.1038/nrn1824.CrossRefPubMed Abbott NJ, Ronnback L, Hansson E: Astrocyte-endothelial interactions at the blood-brain barrier. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2006, 7: 41-53. 10.1038/nrn1824.CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Simard M, Nedergaard M: The neurobiology of glia in the context of water and ion homeostasis. Neuroscience. 2004, 129: 877-896. 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.09.053.CrossRefPubMed Simard M, Nedergaard M: The neurobiology of glia in the context of water and ion homeostasis. Neuroscience. 2004, 129: 877-896. 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.09.053.CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Koehler RC, Gebremedhin D, Harder DR: Role of astrocytes in cerebrovascular regulation. J Appl Physiol. 2006, 100: 307-317. 10.1152/japplphysiol.00938.2005.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Koehler RC, Gebremedhin D, Harder DR: Role of astrocytes in cerebrovascular regulation. J Appl Physiol. 2006, 100: 307-317. 10.1152/japplphysiol.00938.2005.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Darlington CL: Astrocytes as targets for neuroprotective drugs. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2005, 6: 700-703.PubMed Darlington CL: Astrocytes as targets for neuroprotective drugs. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2005, 6: 700-703.PubMed
7.
go back to reference Sofroniew MV: Reactive astrocytes in neural repair and protection. Neuroscientist. 2005, 11: 400-407. 10.1177/1073858405278321.CrossRefPubMed Sofroniew MV: Reactive astrocytes in neural repair and protection. Neuroscientist. 2005, 11: 400-407. 10.1177/1073858405278321.CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Lim R, Bosch EP: Isolation of Astrocytes and Schwann Cells for Culture. Methods in Neurosciences, Volume 2, Cell Culture. Edited by: Coon PM. 1990, San Diego, Academic Press, 47-55. Lim R, Bosch EP: Isolation of Astrocytes and Schwann Cells for Culture. Methods in Neurosciences, Volume 2, Cell Culture. Edited by: Coon PM. 1990, San Diego, Academic Press, 47-55.
9.
go back to reference Hertz L, Juurlink BHJ, Szuchet S: Cell cultures. Handbook of Neurochemistry, vol 8. Edited by: A L. 1985, New York, Plenum, 603-661. 2nd Hertz L, Juurlink BHJ, Szuchet S: Cell cultures. Handbook of Neurochemistry, vol 8. Edited by: A L. 1985, New York, Plenum, 603-661. 2nd
10.
go back to reference Booher J, Sensenbrenner M: Growth and cultivation of dissociated neurons and glial cells from embryonic chick, rat and human brain in flask cultures. Neurobiology. 1972, 2: 97-105.PubMed Booher J, Sensenbrenner M: Growth and cultivation of dissociated neurons and glial cells from embryonic chick, rat and human brain in flask cultures. Neurobiology. 1972, 2: 97-105.PubMed
11.
go back to reference McCarthy KD, de Vellis J: Preparation of separate astroglial and oligodendroglial cell cultures from rat cerebral tissue. J Cell Biol. 1980, 85: 890-902. 10.1083/jcb.85.3.890.CrossRefPubMed McCarthy KD, de Vellis J: Preparation of separate astroglial and oligodendroglial cell cultures from rat cerebral tissue. J Cell Biol. 1980, 85: 890-902. 10.1083/jcb.85.3.890.CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Kimelberg HK, Schools GP, Cai Z, Zhou M: Freshly isolated astrocyte (FIA) preparations: a useful single cell system for studying astrocyte properties. J Neurosci Res. 2000, 61: 577-587. 10.1002/1097-4547(20000915)61:6<577::AID-JNR1>3.0.CO;2-T.CrossRefPubMed Kimelberg HK, Schools GP, Cai Z, Zhou M: Freshly isolated astrocyte (FIA) preparations: a useful single cell system for studying astrocyte properties. J Neurosci Res. 2000, 61: 577-587. 10.1002/1097-4547(20000915)61:6<577::AID-JNR1>3.0.CO;2-T.CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Hansson E, Thorlin T: Brain primary cultures and vibrodissociated cells as tools for the study of astroglial properties and functions. Dev Neurosci. 1999, 21: 1-11. 10.1159/000017360.CrossRefPubMed Hansson E, Thorlin T: Brain primary cultures and vibrodissociated cells as tools for the study of astroglial properties and functions. Dev Neurosci. 1999, 21: 1-11. 10.1159/000017360.CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Wiesinger H, Schuricht B, Hamprecht B: Replacement of glucose by sorbitol in growth medium causes selection of astroglial cells from heterogeneous primary cultures derived from newborn mouse brain. Brain Res. 1991, 550: 69-76. 10.1016/0006-8993(91)90406-L.CrossRefPubMed Wiesinger H, Schuricht B, Hamprecht B: Replacement of glucose by sorbitol in growth medium causes selection of astroglial cells from heterogeneous primary cultures derived from newborn mouse brain. Brain Res. 1991, 550: 69-76. 10.1016/0006-8993(91)90406-L.CrossRefPubMed
15.
go back to reference Hildebrand B, Olenik C, Meyer DK: Neurons are generated in confluent astroglial cultures of rat neonatal neocortex. Neuroscience. 1997, 78: 957-966. 10.1016/S0306-4522(96)00676-8.CrossRefPubMed Hildebrand B, Olenik C, Meyer DK: Neurons are generated in confluent astroglial cultures of rat neonatal neocortex. Neuroscience. 1997, 78: 957-966. 10.1016/S0306-4522(96)00676-8.CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Crang AJ, Blakemore WF: Attempts to produce astrocyte cultures devoid of oligodendrocyte generating potential by the use of antimitotic treatment reveal the presence of quiescent oligodendrocyte precursors. J Neurosci Res. 1997, 49: 64-71. 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4547(19970701)49:1<64::AID-JNR7>3.0.CO;2-B.CrossRefPubMed Crang AJ, Blakemore WF: Attempts to produce astrocyte cultures devoid of oligodendrocyte generating potential by the use of antimitotic treatment reveal the presence of quiescent oligodendrocyte precursors. J Neurosci Res. 1997, 49: 64-71. 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4547(19970701)49:1<64::AID-JNR7>3.0.CO;2-B.CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Hansson E: Cellular composition of a cerebral hemisphere primary culture. Neurochem Res. 1984, 9: 153-172. 10.1007/BF00964164.CrossRefPubMed Hansson E: Cellular composition of a cerebral hemisphere primary culture. Neurochem Res. 1984, 9: 153-172. 10.1007/BF00964164.CrossRefPubMed
18.
go back to reference McNaught KS, Jenner P: Altered glial function causes neuronal death and increases neuronal susceptibility to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium- and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced toxicity in astrocytic/ventral mesencephalic co-cultures. J Neurochem. 1999, 73: 2469-2476. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.1999.0732469.x.CrossRefPubMed McNaught KS, Jenner P: Altered glial function causes neuronal death and increases neuronal susceptibility to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium- and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced toxicity in astrocytic/ventral mesencephalic co-cultures. J Neurochem. 1999, 73: 2469-2476. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.1999.0732469.x.CrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference Theis M, Speidel D, Willecke K: Astrocyte cultures from conditional connexin43-deficient mice. Glia. 2004, 46: 130-141. 10.1002/glia.10350.CrossRefPubMed Theis M, Speidel D, Willecke K: Astrocyte cultures from conditional connexin43-deficient mice. Glia. 2004, 46: 130-141. 10.1002/glia.10350.CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Falsig J, Porzgen P, Lund S, Schrattenholz A, Leist M: The inflammatory transcriptome of reactive murine astrocytes and implications for their innate immune function. J Neurochem. 2006, 96: 893-907. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03622.x.CrossRefPubMed Falsig J, Porzgen P, Lund S, Schrattenholz A, Leist M: The inflammatory transcriptome of reactive murine astrocytes and implications for their innate immune function. J Neurochem. 2006, 96: 893-907. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03622.x.CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Castel H, Diallo M, Chatenet D, Leprince J, Desrues L, Schouft MT, Fontaine M, Dubessy C, Lihrmann I, Scalbert E, Malagon M, Vaudry H, Tonon MC, Gandolfo P: Biochemical and functional characterization of high-affinity urotensin II receptors in rat cortical astrocytes. J Neurochem. 2006, 99: 582-595. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04130.x.CrossRefPubMed Castel H, Diallo M, Chatenet D, Leprince J, Desrues L, Schouft MT, Fontaine M, Dubessy C, Lihrmann I, Scalbert E, Malagon M, Vaudry H, Tonon MC, Gandolfo P: Biochemical and functional characterization of high-affinity urotensin II receptors in rat cortical astrocytes. J Neurochem. 2006, 99: 582-595. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04130.x.CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Giulian D, Baker TJ: Characterization of ameboid microglia isolated from developing mammalian brain. J Neurosci. 1986, 6: 2163-2178.PubMed Giulian D, Baker TJ: Characterization of ameboid microglia isolated from developing mammalian brain. J Neurosci. 1986, 6: 2163-2178.PubMed
23.
go back to reference Murphy S: Production of nitric oxide by glial cells: regulation and potential roles in the CNS. Glia. 2000, 29: 1-13. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(20000101)29:1<1::AID-GLIA1>3.0.CO;2-N.CrossRefPubMed Murphy S: Production of nitric oxide by glial cells: regulation and potential roles in the CNS. Glia. 2000, 29: 1-13. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(20000101)29:1<1::AID-GLIA1>3.0.CO;2-N.CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Saura J, Angulo E, Ejarque A, Casado V, Tusell JM, Moratalla R, Chen JF, Schwarzschild MA, Lluis C, Franco R, Serratosa J: Adenosine A2A receptor stimulation potentiates nitric oxide release by activated microglia. J Neurochem. 2005, 95: 919-929. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03395.x.CrossRefPubMed Saura J, Angulo E, Ejarque A, Casado V, Tusell JM, Moratalla R, Chen JF, Schwarzschild MA, Lluis C, Franco R, Serratosa J: Adenosine A2A receptor stimulation potentiates nitric oxide release by activated microglia. J Neurochem. 2005, 95: 919-929. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03395.x.CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference Hamby ME, Hewett JA, Hewett SJ: TGF-beta1 potentiates astrocytic nitric oxide production by expanding the population of astrocytes that express NOS-2. Glia. 2006, 54: 566-577. 10.1002/glia.20411.CrossRefPubMed Hamby ME, Hewett JA, Hewett SJ: TGF-beta1 potentiates astrocytic nitric oxide production by expanding the population of astrocytes that express NOS-2. Glia. 2006, 54: 566-577. 10.1002/glia.20411.CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Hamby ME, Uliasz TF, Hewett SJ, Hewett JA: Characterization of an improved procedure for the removal of microglia from confluent monolayers of primary astrocytes. J Neurosci Methods. 2006, 150: 128-137. 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2005.06.016.CrossRefPubMed Hamby ME, Uliasz TF, Hewett SJ, Hewett JA: Characterization of an improved procedure for the removal of microglia from confluent monolayers of primary astrocytes. J Neurosci Methods. 2006, 150: 128-137. 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2005.06.016.CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference von Bernhardi R, Eugenin J: Microglial reactivity to beta-amyloid is modulated by astrocytes and proinflammatory factors. Brain Res. 2004, 1025: 186-193. 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.084.CrossRefPubMed von Bernhardi R, Eugenin J: Microglial reactivity to beta-amyloid is modulated by astrocytes and proinflammatory factors. Brain Res. 2004, 1025: 186-193. 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.084.CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Cassina P, Peluffo H, Pehar M, Martinez-Palma L, Ressia A, Beckman JS, Estevez AG, Barbeito L: Peroxynitrite triggers a phenotypic transformation in spinal cord astrocytes that induces motor neuron apoptosis. J Neurosci Res. 2002, 67: 21-29. 10.1002/jnr.10107.CrossRefPubMed Cassina P, Peluffo H, Pehar M, Martinez-Palma L, Ressia A, Beckman JS, Estevez AG, Barbeito L: Peroxynitrite triggers a phenotypic transformation in spinal cord astrocytes that induces motor neuron apoptosis. J Neurosci Res. 2002, 67: 21-29. 10.1002/jnr.10107.CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Kong LY, McMillian MK, Maronpot R, Hong JS: Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors suppress the production of nitric oxide in mixed glia, microglia-enriched or astrocyte-enriched cultures. Brain Res. 1996, 729: 102-109. 10.1016/0006-8993(96)00417-9.CrossRefPubMed Kong LY, McMillian MK, Maronpot R, Hong JS: Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors suppress the production of nitric oxide in mixed glia, microglia-enriched or astrocyte-enriched cultures. Brain Res. 1996, 729: 102-109. 10.1016/0006-8993(96)00417-9.CrossRefPubMed
30.
go back to reference Korcok J, Wu F, Tyml K, Hammond RR, Wilson JX: Sepsis inhibits reduction of dehydroascorbic acid and accumulation of ascorbate in astroglial cultures: intracellular ascorbate depletion increases nitric oxide synthase induction and glutamate uptake inhibition. J Neurochem. 2002, 81: 185-193. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.00814.x.CrossRefPubMed Korcok J, Wu F, Tyml K, Hammond RR, Wilson JX: Sepsis inhibits reduction of dehydroascorbic acid and accumulation of ascorbate in astroglial cultures: intracellular ascorbate depletion increases nitric oxide synthase induction and glutamate uptake inhibition. J Neurochem. 2002, 81: 185-193. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.00814.x.CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Akama KT, Van Eldik LJ: Beta-amyloid stimulation of inducible nitric-oxide synthase in astrocytes is interleukin-1beta- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)-dependent, and involves a TNFalpha receptor-associated factor- and NFkappaB-inducing kinase-dependent signaling mechanism. J Biol Chem. 2000, 275: 7918-7924. 10.1074/jbc.275.11.7918.CrossRefPubMed Akama KT, Van Eldik LJ: Beta-amyloid stimulation of inducible nitric-oxide synthase in astrocytes is interleukin-1beta- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)-dependent, and involves a TNFalpha receptor-associated factor- and NFkappaB-inducing kinase-dependent signaling mechanism. J Biol Chem. 2000, 275: 7918-7924. 10.1074/jbc.275.11.7918.CrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Buskila Y, Farkash S, Hershfinkel M, Amitai Y: Rapid and reactive nitric oxide production by astrocytes in mouse neocortical slices. Glia. 2005, 52: 169-176. 10.1002/glia.20217.CrossRefPubMed Buskila Y, Farkash S, Hershfinkel M, Amitai Y: Rapid and reactive nitric oxide production by astrocytes in mouse neocortical slices. Glia. 2005, 52: 169-176. 10.1002/glia.20217.CrossRefPubMed
33.
go back to reference Salvemini D, Mollace V, Pistelli A, Anggard E, Vane J: Cultured astrocytoma cells generate a nitric oxide-like factor from endogenous L-arginine and glyceryl trinitrate: effect of E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Br J Pharmacol. 1992, 106: 931-936.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Salvemini D, Mollace V, Pistelli A, Anggard E, Vane J: Cultured astrocytoma cells generate a nitric oxide-like factor from endogenous L-arginine and glyceryl trinitrate: effect of E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Br J Pharmacol. 1992, 106: 931-936.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Lee SC, Dickson DW, Liu W, Brosnan CF: Induction of nitric oxide synthase activity in human astrocytes by interleukin-1 beta and interferon-gamma. J Neuroimmunol. 1993, 46: 19-24. 10.1016/0165-5728(93)90229-R.CrossRefPubMed Lee SC, Dickson DW, Liu W, Brosnan CF: Induction of nitric oxide synthase activity in human astrocytes by interleukin-1 beta and interferon-gamma. J Neuroimmunol. 1993, 46: 19-24. 10.1016/0165-5728(93)90229-R.CrossRefPubMed
35.
go back to reference Boje KM, Arora PK: Microglial-produced nitric oxide and reactive nitrogen oxides mediate neuronal cell death. Brain Res. 1992, 587: 250-256. 10.1016/0006-8993(92)91004-X.CrossRefPubMed Boje KM, Arora PK: Microglial-produced nitric oxide and reactive nitrogen oxides mediate neuronal cell death. Brain Res. 1992, 587: 250-256. 10.1016/0006-8993(92)91004-X.CrossRefPubMed
36.
go back to reference Chao CC, Hu S, Molitor TW, Shaskan EG, Peterson PK: Activated microglia mediate neuronal cell injury via a nitric oxide mechanism. J Immunol. 1992, 149: 2736-2741.PubMed Chao CC, Hu S, Molitor TW, Shaskan EG, Peterson PK: Activated microglia mediate neuronal cell injury via a nitric oxide mechanism. J Immunol. 1992, 149: 2736-2741.PubMed
37.
go back to reference Hewett SJ, Corbett JA, McDaniel ML, Choi DW: Interferon-gamma and interleukin-1 beta induce nitric oxide formation from primary mouse astrocytes. Neurosci Lett. 1993, 164: 229-232. 10.1016/0304-3940(93)90898-U.CrossRefPubMed Hewett SJ, Corbett JA, McDaniel ML, Choi DW: Interferon-gamma and interleukin-1 beta induce nitric oxide formation from primary mouse astrocytes. Neurosci Lett. 1993, 164: 229-232. 10.1016/0304-3940(93)90898-U.CrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference Xiong H, Yamada K, Jourdi H, Kawamura M, Takei N, Han D, Nabeshima T, Nawa H: Regulation of nerve growth factor release by nitric oxide through cyclic GMP pathway in cortical glial cells. Mol Pharmacol. 1999, 56: 339-347.PubMedCentralPubMed Xiong H, Yamada K, Jourdi H, Kawamura M, Takei N, Han D, Nabeshima T, Nawa H: Regulation of nerve growth factor release by nitric oxide through cyclic GMP pathway in cortical glial cells. Mol Pharmacol. 1999, 56: 339-347.PubMedCentralPubMed
39.
go back to reference Sola C, Casal C, Tusell JM, Serratosa J: Astrocytes enhance lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production by microglial cells. Eur J Neurosci. 2002, 16: 1275-1283. 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.02199.x.CrossRefPubMed Sola C, Casal C, Tusell JM, Serratosa J: Astrocytes enhance lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production by microglial cells. Eur J Neurosci. 2002, 16: 1275-1283. 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.02199.x.CrossRefPubMed
40.
go back to reference Saura J, Petegnief V, Wu X, Liang Y, Paul SM: Microglial apolipoprotein E and astroglial apolipoprotein J expression in vitro: opposite effects of lipopolysaccharide. J Neurochem. 2003, 85: 1455-1467. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01788.x.CrossRefPubMed Saura J, Petegnief V, Wu X, Liang Y, Paul SM: Microglial apolipoprotein E and astroglial apolipoprotein J expression in vitro: opposite effects of lipopolysaccharide. J Neurochem. 2003, 85: 1455-1467. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01788.x.CrossRefPubMed
41.
go back to reference Falsig J, Latta M, Leist M: Defined inflammatory states in astrocyte cultures: correlation with susceptibility towards CD95-driven apoptosis. J Neurochem. 2004, 88: 181-193.CrossRefPubMed Falsig J, Latta M, Leist M: Defined inflammatory states in astrocyte cultures: correlation with susceptibility towards CD95-driven apoptosis. J Neurochem. 2004, 88: 181-193.CrossRefPubMed
42.
go back to reference Oropeza RL, Wekerle H, Werb Z: Expression of apolipoprotein E by mouse brain astrocytes and its modulation by interferon-gamma. Brain Res. 1987, 410: 45-51. 10.1016/S0006-8993(87)80018-5.CrossRefPubMed Oropeza RL, Wekerle H, Werb Z: Expression of apolipoprotein E by mouse brain astrocytes and its modulation by interferon-gamma. Brain Res. 1987, 410: 45-51. 10.1016/S0006-8993(87)80018-5.CrossRefPubMed
43.
go back to reference Pitas RE, Boyles JK, Lee SH, Foss D, Mahley RW: Astrocytes synthesize apolipoprotein E and metabolize apolipoprotein E-containing lipoproteins. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1987, 917: 148-161.CrossRefPubMed Pitas RE, Boyles JK, Lee SH, Foss D, Mahley RW: Astrocytes synthesize apolipoprotein E and metabolize apolipoprotein E-containing lipoproteins. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1987, 917: 148-161.CrossRefPubMed
44.
go back to reference Stone DJ, Rozovsky I, Morgan TE, Anderson CP, Hajian H, Finch CE: Astrocytes and microglia respond to estrogen with increased apoE mRNA in vivo and in vitro. Exp Neurol. 1997, 143: 313-318. 10.1006/exnr.1996.6360.CrossRefPubMed Stone DJ, Rozovsky I, Morgan TE, Anderson CP, Hajian H, Finch CE: Astrocytes and microglia respond to estrogen with increased apoE mRNA in vivo and in vitro. Exp Neurol. 1997, 143: 313-318. 10.1006/exnr.1996.6360.CrossRefPubMed
45.
go back to reference Aleong R, Aumont N, Dea D, Poirier J: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs mediate increased in vitro glial expression of apolipoprotein E protein. Eur J Neurosci. 2003, 18: 1428-1438. 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02869.x.CrossRefPubMed Aleong R, Aumont N, Dea D, Poirier J: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs mediate increased in vitro glial expression of apolipoprotein E protein. Eur J Neurosci. 2003, 18: 1428-1438. 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02869.x.CrossRefPubMed
46.
go back to reference Mori K, Yokoyama A, Yang L, Yang L, Maeda N, Mitsuda N, Tanaka J: L-serine-mediated release of apolipoprotein E and lipids from microglial cells. Exp Neurol. 2004, 185: 220-231. 10.1016/j.expneurol.2003.10.010.CrossRefPubMed Mori K, Yokoyama A, Yang L, Yang L, Maeda N, Mitsuda N, Tanaka J: L-serine-mediated release of apolipoprotein E and lipids from microglial cells. Exp Neurol. 2004, 185: 220-231. 10.1016/j.expneurol.2003.10.010.CrossRefPubMed
47.
go back to reference Gebicke-Haerter PJ, Bauer J, Schobert A, Northoff H: Lipopolysaccharide-free conditions in primary astrocyte cultures allow growth and isolation of microglial cells. J Neurosci. 1989, 9: 183-194.PubMed Gebicke-Haerter PJ, Bauer J, Schobert A, Northoff H: Lipopolysaccharide-free conditions in primary astrocyte cultures allow growth and isolation of microglial cells. J Neurosci. 1989, 9: 183-194.PubMed
48.
go back to reference Dalmau I, Castellano B, Pedersen EB, Finsen B, Zimmer J, Gonzalez B: Reduction of the microglial cell number in rat primary glial cell cultures by exogenous addition of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate. J Neuroimmunol. 1996, 70: 123-129. 10.1016/S0165-5728(96)00074-4.CrossRefPubMed Dalmau I, Castellano B, Pedersen EB, Finsen B, Zimmer J, Gonzalez B: Reduction of the microglial cell number in rat primary glial cell cultures by exogenous addition of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate. J Neuroimmunol. 1996, 70: 123-129. 10.1016/S0165-5728(96)00074-4.CrossRefPubMed
49.
go back to reference Kloss CU, Bohatschek M, Kreutzberg GW, Raivich G: Effect of lipopolysaccharide on the morphology and integrin immunoreactivity of ramified microglia in the mouse brain and in cell culture. Exp Neurol. 2001, 168: 32-46. 10.1006/exnr.2000.7575.CrossRefPubMed Kloss CU, Bohatschek M, Kreutzberg GW, Raivich G: Effect of lipopolysaccharide on the morphology and integrin immunoreactivity of ramified microglia in the mouse brain and in cell culture. Exp Neurol. 2001, 168: 32-46. 10.1006/exnr.2000.7575.CrossRefPubMed
50.
go back to reference Gorfien S, Spector A, DeLuca D, Weiss S: Growth and physiological functions of vascular endothelial cells in a new serum-free medium (SFM). Exp Cell Res. 1993, 206: 291-301. 10.1006/excr.1993.1149.CrossRefPubMed Gorfien S, Spector A, DeLuca D, Weiss S: Growth and physiological functions of vascular endothelial cells in a new serum-free medium (SFM). Exp Cell Res. 1993, 206: 291-301. 10.1006/excr.1993.1149.CrossRefPubMed
51.
go back to reference Saura J, Tusell JM, Serratosa J: High-yield isolation of murine microglia by mild trypsinization. Glia. 2003, 44: 183-189. 10.1002/glia.10274.CrossRefPubMed Saura J, Tusell JM, Serratosa J: High-yield isolation of murine microglia by mild trypsinization. Glia. 2003, 44: 183-189. 10.1002/glia.10274.CrossRefPubMed
52.
go back to reference Tanaka J, Toku K, Sakanaka M, Maeda N: Morphological differentiation of microglial cells in culture: involvement of insoluble factors derived from astrocytes. Neurosci Res. 1999, 34: 207-215. 10.1016/S0168-0102(99)00041-3.CrossRefPubMed Tanaka J, Toku K, Sakanaka M, Maeda N: Morphological differentiation of microglial cells in culture: involvement of insoluble factors derived from astrocytes. Neurosci Res. 1999, 34: 207-215. 10.1016/S0168-0102(99)00041-3.CrossRefPubMed
53.
go back to reference Jauneau AC, Ischenko A, Chatagner A, Benard M, Chan P, Schouft MT, Patte C, Vaudry H, Fontaine M: Interleukin-1beta and anaphylatoxins exert a synergistic effect on NGF expression by astrocytes. J Neuroinflammation. 2006, 3: 8-10.1186/1742-2094-3-8.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Jauneau AC, Ischenko A, Chatagner A, Benard M, Chan P, Schouft MT, Patte C, Vaudry H, Fontaine M: Interleukin-1beta and anaphylatoxins exert a synergistic effect on NGF expression by astrocytes. J Neuroinflammation. 2006, 3: 8-10.1186/1742-2094-3-8.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
54.
go back to reference Hertz L, Peng L, Lai JC: Functional studies in cultured astrocytes. Methods. 1998, 16: 293-310. 10.1006/meth.1998.0686.CrossRefPubMed Hertz L, Peng L, Lai JC: Functional studies in cultured astrocytes. Methods. 1998, 16: 293-310. 10.1006/meth.1998.0686.CrossRefPubMed
55.
go back to reference Linnemann D, Skarsfelt T: Regional changes in expression of NCAM, GFAP, and S100 in aging rat brain. Neurobiol Aging. 1994, 15: 651-655. 10.1016/0197-4580(94)00060-3.CrossRefPubMed Linnemann D, Skarsfelt T: Regional changes in expression of NCAM, GFAP, and S100 in aging rat brain. Neurobiol Aging. 1994, 15: 651-655. 10.1016/0197-4580(94)00060-3.CrossRefPubMed
56.
go back to reference Ogura K, Ogawa M, Yoshida M: Effects of ageing on microglia in the normal rat brain: immunohistochemical observations. Neuroreport. 1994, 5: 1224-1226.CrossRefPubMed Ogura K, Ogawa M, Yoshida M: Effects of ageing on microglia in the normal rat brain: immunohistochemical observations. Neuroreport. 1994, 5: 1224-1226.CrossRefPubMed
57.
go back to reference Abe K, Saito H: L-glutamate suppresses amyloid beta-protein-induced stellation of cultured rat cortical astrocytes. J Neurochem. 2000, 74: 280-286. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2000.0740280.x.CrossRefPubMed Abe K, Saito H: L-glutamate suppresses amyloid beta-protein-induced stellation of cultured rat cortical astrocytes. J Neurochem. 2000, 74: 280-286. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2000.0740280.x.CrossRefPubMed
58.
go back to reference Yanni PA, Rising LJ, Ingraham CA, Lindsley TA: Astrocyte-derived factors modulate the inhibitory effect of ethanol on dendritic development. Glia. 2002, 38: 292-302. 10.1002/glia.10071.CrossRefPubMed Yanni PA, Rising LJ, Ingraham CA, Lindsley TA: Astrocyte-derived factors modulate the inhibitory effect of ethanol on dendritic development. Glia. 2002, 38: 292-302. 10.1002/glia.10071.CrossRefPubMed
59.
go back to reference Kim WG, Mohney RP, Wilson B, Jeohn GH, Liu B, Hong JS: Regional difference in susceptibility to lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity in the rat brain: role of microglia. J Neurosci. 2000, 20: 6309-6316.PubMed Kim WG, Mohney RP, Wilson B, Jeohn GH, Liu B, Hong JS: Regional difference in susceptibility to lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity in the rat brain: role of microglia. J Neurosci. 2000, 20: 6309-6316.PubMed
60.
go back to reference Hao C, Richardson A, Fedoroff S: Macrophage-like cells originate from neuroepithelium in culture: characterization and properties of the macrophage-like cells. Int J Dev Neurosci. 1991, 9: 1-14. 10.1016/0736-5748(91)90067-V.CrossRefPubMed Hao C, Richardson A, Fedoroff S: Macrophage-like cells originate from neuroepithelium in culture: characterization and properties of the macrophage-like cells. Int J Dev Neurosci. 1991, 9: 1-14. 10.1016/0736-5748(91)90067-V.CrossRefPubMed
61.
go back to reference Milner R, Campbell IL: Cytokines regulate microglial adhesion to laminin and astrocyte extracellular matrix via protein kinase C-dependent activation of the alpha6beta1 integrin. J Neurosci. 2002, 22: 1562-1572.PubMed Milner R, Campbell IL: Cytokines regulate microglial adhesion to laminin and astrocyte extracellular matrix via protein kinase C-dependent activation of the alpha6beta1 integrin. J Neurosci. 2002, 22: 1562-1572.PubMed
62.
go back to reference Olsen ML, Higashimori H, Campbell SL, Hablitz JJ, Sontheimer H: Functional expression of Kir4.1 channels in spinal cord astrocytes. Glia. 2006, 53: 516-528. 10.1002/glia.20312.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Olsen ML, Higashimori H, Campbell SL, Hablitz JJ, Sontheimer H: Functional expression of Kir4.1 channels in spinal cord astrocytes. Glia. 2006, 53: 516-528. 10.1002/glia.20312.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
63.
go back to reference Imura T, Nakano I, Kornblum HI, Sofroniew MV: Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of GFAP-expressing cells in vitro: differential expression of LeX/CD15 by GFAP-expressing multipotent neural stem cells and non-neurogenic astrocytes. Glia. 2006, 53: 277-293. 10.1002/glia.20281.CrossRefPubMed Imura T, Nakano I, Kornblum HI, Sofroniew MV: Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of GFAP-expressing cells in vitro: differential expression of LeX/CD15 by GFAP-expressing multipotent neural stem cells and non-neurogenic astrocytes. Glia. 2006, 53: 277-293. 10.1002/glia.20281.CrossRefPubMed
64.
go back to reference Frith JC, Monkkonen J, Blackburn GM, Russell RG, Rogers MJ: Clodronate and liposome-encapsulated clodronate are metabolized to a toxic ATP analog, adenosine 5'-(beta, gamma-dichloromethylene) triphosphate, by mammalian cells in vitro. J Bone Miner Res. 1997, 12: 1358-1367. 10.1359/jbmr.1997.12.9.1358.CrossRefPubMed Frith JC, Monkkonen J, Blackburn GM, Russell RG, Rogers MJ: Clodronate and liposome-encapsulated clodronate are metabolized to a toxic ATP analog, adenosine 5'-(beta, gamma-dichloromethylene) triphosphate, by mammalian cells in vitro. J Bone Miner Res. 1997, 12: 1358-1367. 10.1359/jbmr.1997.12.9.1358.CrossRefPubMed
65.
go back to reference Kohl A, Dehghani F, Korf HW, Hailer NP: The bisphosphonate clodronate depletes microglial cells in excitotoxically injured organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Exp Neurol. 2003, 181: 1-11. 10.1016/S0014-4886(02)00049-3.CrossRefPubMed Kohl A, Dehghani F, Korf HW, Hailer NP: The bisphosphonate clodronate depletes microglial cells in excitotoxically injured organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Exp Neurol. 2003, 181: 1-11. 10.1016/S0014-4886(02)00049-3.CrossRefPubMed
66.
go back to reference Brown DR, Schmidt B, Kretzschmar HA: A neurotoxic prion protein fragment enhances proliferation of microglia but not astrocytes in culture. Glia. 1996, 18: 59-67. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(199609)18:1<59::AID-GLIA6>3.0.CO;2-Z.CrossRefPubMed Brown DR, Schmidt B, Kretzschmar HA: A neurotoxic prion protein fragment enhances proliferation of microglia but not astrocytes in culture. Glia. 1996, 18: 59-67. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(199609)18:1<59::AID-GLIA6>3.0.CO;2-Z.CrossRefPubMed
67.
go back to reference Ciccarelli R, Di Iorio P, D'Alimonte I, Giuliani P, Florio T, Caciagli F, Middlemiss PJ, Rathbone MP: Cultured astrocyte proliferation induced by extracellular guanosine involves endogenous adenosine and is raised by the co-presence of microglia. Glia. 2000, 29: 202-211. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(20000201)29:3<202::AID-GLIA2>3.0.CO;2-C.CrossRefPubMed Ciccarelli R, Di Iorio P, D'Alimonte I, Giuliani P, Florio T, Caciagli F, Middlemiss PJ, Rathbone MP: Cultured astrocyte proliferation induced by extracellular guanosine involves endogenous adenosine and is raised by the co-presence of microglia. Glia. 2000, 29: 202-211. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(20000201)29:3<202::AID-GLIA2>3.0.CO;2-C.CrossRefPubMed
68.
go back to reference Galea E, Feinstein DL, Reis DJ: Induction of calcium-independent nitric oxide synthase activity in primary rat glial cultures. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1992, 89: 10945-10949. 10.1073/pnas.89.22.10945.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Galea E, Feinstein DL, Reis DJ: Induction of calcium-independent nitric oxide synthase activity in primary rat glial cultures. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1992, 89: 10945-10949. 10.1073/pnas.89.22.10945.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
69.
go back to reference Murphy S: Reply to "Histochemical localization of nitric oxide synthase in the CNS". Trends Neurosci. 1994, 17: 106-10.1016/0166-2236(94)90116-3.CrossRef Murphy S: Reply to "Histochemical localization of nitric oxide synthase in the CNS". Trends Neurosci. 1994, 17: 106-10.1016/0166-2236(94)90116-3.CrossRef
70.
go back to reference Vincent VA, Van Dam AM, Persoons JH, Schotanus K, Steinbusch HW, Schoffelmeer AN, Berkenbosch F: Gradual inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase but not of interleukin-1 beta production in rat microglial cells of endotoxin-treated mixed glial cell cultures. Glia. 1996, 17: 94-102. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(199606)17:2<94::AID-GLIA2>3.0.CO;2-6.CrossRefPubMed Vincent VA, Van Dam AM, Persoons JH, Schotanus K, Steinbusch HW, Schoffelmeer AN, Berkenbosch F: Gradual inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase but not of interleukin-1 beta production in rat microglial cells of endotoxin-treated mixed glial cell cultures. Glia. 1996, 17: 94-102. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(199606)17:2<94::AID-GLIA2>3.0.CO;2-6.CrossRefPubMed
71.
go back to reference Vincent VA, Tilders FJ, Van Dam AM: Inhibition of endotoxin-induced nitric oxide synthase production in microglial cells by the presence of astroglial cells: a role for transforming growth factor beta. Glia. 1997, 19: 190-198. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(199703)19:3<190::AID-GLIA2>3.0.CO;2-3.CrossRefPubMed Vincent VA, Tilders FJ, Van Dam AM: Inhibition of endotoxin-induced nitric oxide synthase production in microglial cells by the presence of astroglial cells: a role for transforming growth factor beta. Glia. 1997, 19: 190-198. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(199703)19:3<190::AID-GLIA2>3.0.CO;2-3.CrossRefPubMed
72.
go back to reference Yang L, Tanaka J, Zhang B, Sakanaka M, Maeda N: Astrocytes modulate nitric oxide production by microglial cells through secretion of serine and glycine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1998, 251: 277-282. 10.1006/bbrc.1998.9457.CrossRefPubMed Yang L, Tanaka J, Zhang B, Sakanaka M, Maeda N: Astrocytes modulate nitric oxide production by microglial cells through secretion of serine and glycine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1998, 251: 277-282. 10.1006/bbrc.1998.9457.CrossRefPubMed
73.
go back to reference Noack H, Possel H, Chatterjee S, Keilhoff G, Wolf G: Nitrosative stress in primary glial cultures after induction of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS). Toxicology. 2000, 148: 133-142. 10.1016/S0300-483X(00)00204-3.CrossRefPubMed Noack H, Possel H, Chatterjee S, Keilhoff G, Wolf G: Nitrosative stress in primary glial cultures after induction of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS). Toxicology. 2000, 148: 133-142. 10.1016/S0300-483X(00)00204-3.CrossRefPubMed
74.
go back to reference Possel H, Noack H, Putzke J, Wolf G, Sies H: Selective upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cytokines in microglia: in vitro and in vivo studies. Glia. 2000, 32: 51-59. 10.1002/1098-1136(200010)32:1<51::AID-GLIA50>3.0.CO;2-4.CrossRefPubMed Possel H, Noack H, Putzke J, Wolf G, Sies H: Selective upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cytokines in microglia: in vitro and in vivo studies. Glia. 2000, 32: 51-59. 10.1002/1098-1136(200010)32:1<51::AID-GLIA50>3.0.CO;2-4.CrossRefPubMed
75.
go back to reference Roychowdhury S, Wolf G, Keilhoff G, Bagchi D, Horn T: Protection of primary glial cells by grape seed proanthocyanidin extract against nitrosative/oxidative stress. Nitric Oxide. 2001, 5: 137-149. 10.1006/niox.2001.0335.CrossRefPubMed Roychowdhury S, Wolf G, Keilhoff G, Bagchi D, Horn T: Protection of primary glial cells by grape seed proanthocyanidin extract against nitrosative/oxidative stress. Nitric Oxide. 2001, 5: 137-149. 10.1006/niox.2001.0335.CrossRefPubMed
76.
go back to reference Possel H, Noack H, Keilhoff G, Wolf G: Life imaging of peroxynitrite in rat microglial and astroglial cells: Role of superoxide and antioxidants. Glia. 2002, 38: 339-350. 10.1002/glia.10066.CrossRefPubMed Possel H, Noack H, Keilhoff G, Wolf G: Life imaging of peroxynitrite in rat microglial and astroglial cells: Role of superoxide and antioxidants. Glia. 2002, 38: 339-350. 10.1002/glia.10066.CrossRefPubMed
77.
go back to reference Choi SH, Choi DH, Song KS, Shin KH, Chun BG: Zaprinast, an inhibitor of cGMP-selective phosphodiesterases, enhances the secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and the expression of iNOS and MHC class II molecules in rat microglial cells. J Neurosci Res. 2002, 67: 411-421. 10.1002/jnr.10102.CrossRefPubMed Choi SH, Choi DH, Song KS, Shin KH, Chun BG: Zaprinast, an inhibitor of cGMP-selective phosphodiesterases, enhances the secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and the expression of iNOS and MHC class II molecules in rat microglial cells. J Neurosci Res. 2002, 67: 411-421. 10.1002/jnr.10102.CrossRefPubMed
78.
go back to reference Pyo H, Yang MS, Jou I, Joe EH: Wortmannin enhances lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in microglia in the presence of astrocytes in rats. Neurosci Lett. 2003, 346: 141-144. 10.1016/S0304-3940(03)00505-6.CrossRefPubMed Pyo H, Yang MS, Jou I, Joe EH: Wortmannin enhances lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in microglia in the presence of astrocytes in rats. Neurosci Lett. 2003, 346: 141-144. 10.1016/S0304-3940(03)00505-6.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Microglial cells in astroglial cultures: a cautionary note
Author
Josep Saura
Publication date
01-12-2007
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Neuroinflammation / Issue 1/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1742-2094
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-4-26

Other articles of this Issue 1/2007

Journal of Neuroinflammation 1/2007 Go to the issue