Abstract
Introduction: Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system that are involved in a variety of developmental processes such as regulation of cell death and survival, spatial patterning, and contribute to the development of Purkinje cells during migration. Microglia express immunoglobulin G Fc receptors (FcgRs). Hypothesis: In this report, we describe microglial FcgR expression in the cerebellum during development related to abnormal Purkinje cell migration. Method: To detect microglial FcgR, the direct anti-IgG (secondary antisera) and high concentrations of Triton X-100 were applied as a method for labeling microglial cells without the use of any specific primary antiserum. By using the Acp2 -/- mice, which show an excessive Purkinje cell migration into the molecular layer combined with the different knockout mice altering the Reelin pathway (Reeler, Scrambler, and Apoer2 -/- mice), that Purkinje cells are ectopically located in white matter. Result: We show the expression of microglial FcgRs in the cerebellum of these mice is absent, but not in the Acp2 -/- mice . Discussion: These results suggest a role for FcgRs in reelin signaling pathway, not related to Purkinje cell migration, but may be an adaptation to the environment with the large number of ectopic Purkinje cells. Conclusion: However, the exact correlation between the ectopic Purkinje cells presence and FcgRs absence in reeler, Scrambler, Apoer -/- mice and the presence of FcgRs in Acp2 -/- mutant are yet to be determined.
The Community Effect and Purkinje Cell Migration in the Cerebellar Cortex: Analysis of Scrambler Chimeric Mice
