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Reactive microgliosis
April 1999
April 1999
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Abstract
Damage to the central nervous system (CNS) elicits the activation of both astrocytes
and microglia. This review is focused on the principal features that characterize
the activation of microglia after CNS injury. It provides a critical discussion of
concepts regarding microglial biology that include the relationship between microglia
and macrophages, as well as the role of microglia as immunocompetent cells of the
CNS. Mechanistic and functional aspects of microgliosis are discussed primarily in
the context of microglial neuronal interactions. The controversial issue of whether
reactive microgliosis is a beneficial or a harmful process is addressed, and a resolution
of this dilemma is offered by suggesting different interpretations of the term 'activated
microglia' depending on its usage during in vivo or in vitro experimentation.