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01-04-2015 | Research Article

Microglia: dismantling and rebuilding circuits after acute neurological injury

Authors: Jenna M. Ziebell, P. David Adelson, Jonathan Lifshitz

Published in: Metabolic Brain Disease | Issue 2/2015

Abstract

The brain is comprised of neurons and its support system including astrocytes, glial cells and microglia, thereby forming neurovascular units. Neurons require support from glial cells to establish and maintain functional circuits, but microglia are often overlooked. Microglia function as the immune cell of the central nervous system, acting to monitor the microenvironment for changes in signaling, pathogens and injury. More recently, other functional roles for microglia within the healthy brain have been identified, including regulating synapse formation, elimination and function. This review aims to highlight and discuss these alternate microglial roles in the healthy and in contrast, diseased brain with a focus on two acute neurological diseases, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy. In these conditions, microglial roles in synaptic stripping and stabilization as part of neuronal:glial interactions may position them as mediators of the transition between injury-induced circuit dismantling and subsequent reorganization. Increased understanding of microglia roles could identify therapeutic targets to mitigate the consequences of neurological disease.

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Title: Microglia: dismantling and rebuilding circuits after acute neurological injury
Authors: Jenna M. Ziebell
P. David Adelson
Jonathan Lifshitz
Publication date: 01-04-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Metabolic Brain Disease / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 0885-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7365
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-014-9539-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Microglia: dismantling and rebuilding circuits after acute neurological injury

Abstract

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Springer Medicine

Abstract

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