Author/Editor		Kettenmann, Helmut; Kirchhoff, Frank; Verkhratsky, Alexei
Title		Microglia
Type		članek
Vol. and No.		Letnik 71, št. 1
Publication year		2013
Volume		str. 10-18
ISSN		0896-6273 - Neuron
Language		eng
Abstract		Any pathologic event in the brain leads to the activation of microglia, the immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system. In recent decades diverse molecular pathways have been identified by which microglial activation is controlled and by which the activated microglia affects neurons. In the normal brain microglia were considered resting but it has recently become evident that they constantly scan the brain environment and contact synapses. Activated microglia can remove damaged cells as well as dysfunctional synapses, a process termed synaptic stripping. Here we summarize evidence that molecular pathways characterized in pathology are also utilized by microglia in the normal and developing brain to influence synaptic development and connectivity, and therefore should become targets of future research. Microglial dysfunction results in behavioral deficits, indicating that microglia are essential for proper brain function. This defines a new role for microglia beyond being a mere pathologic sensor.
Keywords		brain activation of microglia neurons možgani aktivacija mikroglije nevroni