Microglial physiopathology: how to explain the dual role of microglia after acute neural disorders?

摘要: Microglia are the resident macrophages of central nervous system (CNS). In physiological conditions, resting microglia maintain tissue integrity by scanning entire CNS parenchyma through stochastic and complex movements their long processes to identify minor alterations. pathological over-activated contribute neuronal damage releasing harmful substances, including inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, proteinases, but they can provide repair anti-inflammatory cytokines neurotrophic factors. The reasons for this apparent paradox unknown. paper, we first review role as well both detrimental beneficial actions microglial during acute disorders. Further, discuss possible dual following insults, considering that final phenotype is a direct consequence noxious stimuli released into extracellular space insult. nature these micro-glial ligands unknown, hypothesize may be preferentially located at specific anatomical niches along environment triggering deleterious glial cells. According notion, there no natural populations microglia, determines phenotype.