Microglia in the embryonic brain and spinal cord during the development of neuronal networks

Abstract

... In this thesis, we aimed at characterizing the invasion pattern and phenotype of microglia in the embryonic brain. We focused on the developing cortex and choroid plexus to study the microglial characteristics by means of the expression of different immunohistochemical markers (Mac-2, Ki-67) and patch-clamp recordings (K+ channels, ATP-induced currents). Additionally, we investigated the microglial involvement in the developing cortex and hippocampal area in a poly (I:C)-induced maternal immune activation model for neurodevelopmental disorders. To these ends, we used a mouse model in which eGFP is expressed under the promoter of the fractalkine receptor, rendering microglia (progenitors) green fluorescent. The inflammation model used (i.p. single dose of poly (I:C) (20mg/kg)) is a well established model to induce maternal immune activation (MIA) and results in well documented neurodevelopmental deficits and behavioral changes in the offspring. ...