Microglia are an essential component of the neuroprotective scar that forms after spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT: The role of microglia in spinal cord injury (SCI) remains poorly understood and is often confused with the response of macrophages. Here, we use specific transgenic mouse lines and depleting agents to understand the response of microglia after SCI. We find that microglia are highly dynamic and proliferate extensively during the first two weeks, accumulating around the lesion. There, activated microglia position themselves at the interface between infiltrating leukocytes and astrocytes, which proliferate and form a scar in response to microglia-derived factors, such as IGF-1. Depletion of microglia after SCI causes disruption of glial scar formation, enhances parenchymal immune infiltrates, reduces neuronal and oligodendrocyte survival, and impairs locomotor recovery. Conversely, increased

SUBMITTER: Bellver-Landete V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6355913 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature