Temporary microglia-depletion after cosmic radiation modifies phagocytic activity and prevents cognitive deficits.

ABSTRACT: Microglia are the main immune component in the brain that can regulate neuronal health and synapse function. Exposure to cosmic radiation can cause long-term cognitive impairments in rodent models thereby presenting potential obstacles for astronauts engaged in deep space travel. The mechanism/s for how cosmic radiation induces cognitive deficits are currently unknown. We find that temporary microglia depletion, one week after cosmic radiation, prevents the development of long-term memory deficits. Gene array profiling reveals that acute microglia depletion alters the late neuroinflammatory response to cosmic radiation. The repopulated microglia present a modified functional phenotype with reduced expression of scavenger receptors, lysosome membrane protein and complement receptor, all sho

SUBMITTER: Krukowski K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5959907 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature