Microglia: key elements in neural development, plasticity, and pathology.

ABSTRACT: A century after Cajal identified a "third element" of the nervous system, many issues have been clarified about the identity and function of one of its major components, the microglia. Here, we review recent findings by microgliologists, highlighting results from imaging studies that are helping provide new views of microglial behavior and function. In vivo imaging in the intact adult rodent CNS has revolutionized our understanding of microglial behaviors in situ and has raised speculation about their function in the uninjured adult brain. Imaging studies in ex vivo mammalian tissue preparations and in intact model organisms including zebrafish are providing insights into microglial behaviors during brain development. These data suggest that microglia play important developmental roles in

SUBMITTER: Eyo UB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3657325 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature