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Regulation of microglia by ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 December 2011

Wai T. Wong ,
Minhua Wang  and
Wei Li
Wai T. Wong*
Affiliation:
Unit on Neuron–Glia Interactions in Retinal Diseases, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
Minhua Wang
Affiliation:
Unit on Neuron–Glia Interactions in Retinal Diseases, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
Wei Li
Affiliation:
Unit on Retinal Neurophysiology, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Wai T. Wong, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, 6 Center Drive, Room 217 Bethesda, MD 20892, USA phone: +1 301 496 1758 fax: +1 301 496 1759 email: wongw@nei.nih.gov
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Abstract

Recent studies have indicated that constitutive functions of microglia in the healthy adult central nervous system (CNS) involve immune surveillance, synapse maintenance and trophic support. These functions have been related to the ramified structure of ‘resting’ microglia and the prominent motility in their processes that provide extensive coverage of the entire extracellular milleu. In this review, we examine how external signals, and in particular, ionotropic neurotransmission, regulate features of microglial morphology and process motility. Current findings indicate that microglial physiology in the healthy CNS is constitutively and reciprocally regulated by endogenous ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. These influences do not act directly on microglial cells but indirectly via the activity-dependent release of ATP, likely through a mechanism involving pannexin channels. Microglia in the ‘resting’ state are not only dynamically active, but also constantly engaged in ongoing communication with neuronal and macroglial components of the CNS in a functionally relevant way.

Keywords

Microglial motilitypurinergic transmissionATPpannexin channelsneuronal activity
Type
Research Article
Information
Neuron Glia Biology , Volume 7 , Special Issue 1: The Physiological Function of Microglia , February 2011 , pp. 41 - 46
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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