Dynamic aspects of glial reactions in altered brains

Abstract

We investigated cellular reactions in altered brain with electron microscopy, 3H-thymidine autoradiography and immunohistochemistry. Comparing the results to those of classical studies with silver-impregnation method, following conclusions were obtained: 1. Full-blown macrophages, "amoeboid microglia", "rod cells" in acute viral encephalitis and "true" inflammatory cells in retrograde degeneration are derived from circulating mononuclear leukocytes which enter into brain parenchyma after the injuries. 2. Microglia, pericytes and other indigenous cells in brain parenchyma do not contribute to the macrophage formation. 3. Silver-impregnated resting microglia are definite cell group existing in the normal brain parenchyma. They are separate kind of cells from oligodendroglia or from mononuclear leukocytes. 4. In response to brain damage the resting microglia show marked swelling in the nucleus and cytoplasm, then, proliferate actively. After division they transform into reactive, fibrous astroglia. 5. Therefore, resting microglia are considered to be the reserve cells of fibrous astroglia.