Accelerated microglial pathology is associated with Aβ plaques in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

ABSTRACT: Microglia integrate within the neural tissue with a distinct ramified morphology through which they scan the surrounding neuronal network. Here, we used a digital tool for the quantitative morphometric characterization of fine cortical microglial structures in mice, and the changes they undergo with aging and in Alzheimer's-like disease. We show that, compared with microglia in young mice, microglia in old mice are less ramified and possess fewer branches and fine processes along with a slightly increased proinflammatory cytokine expression. A similar microglial pathology appeared 6-12 months earlier in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), along with a significant increase in brain parenchyma lacking coverage by microglial processes. We further demonstrate that microglia near amyloid

SUBMITTER: Baron R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4326940 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature