What are microglia?
Microglia, also called hortega cells, are immune cells that are located in the brain and spinal cord. They represent a supporting structure of the central nervous system (CNS). The basic function of these cells is to prevent and repair the brain from injury caused by attacking microorganisms, cellular residues and diseases. They constantly scan CNS for damaged plaques, neurons and infectious agents. There are many types of these cells in the CNS, including Ameboids, branched, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependydycytes. They are environmentally sensitive and are able to detect the least changes in the biological composition of brain tissue. Cells scan CNS to locate and neutralize any plaques, fragments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), nervous tangle, dead cells, damaged cells and foreign materials. They can be considered as a housewife by cleaning cellular residues. Cells destroy infectious organisms by releasing various cytotoxic materials - toxic substances that damage cells and cause neurons death. Cytotoxic secretion of nothingBacteria, viruses and infected neurons, but excessive cytotoxic amounts can cause nerve damage.
Microglia plays a key role in neurodegeneration, which is a progressive loss of neurons from the brain that can lead to disability and death. Delayed progression of Alzheimer's disease-neurodegenerative disease in which the brain develops abnormal clusters of cells and tangled neurons. Cells are also involved in driving and reducing the progression of Parkinson's disease, a CNS movement disorder that worsens speech, motor skills and other body functions.
cells also play an important role in the management of infectious viruses such as the virus of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex. Microglia releases neurotoxic secretions that fight HIV. In addition, they release cytotoxic substances aimed at neutralizing the Herpes Simplex virus.
microgli are active in defense of CNS from bacterial infections. AsStreptococcus pneumoniae - a bacterium that causes meningitis. Cells also participate in brain and spinal cord protection from parasitic infections.
Plasmodium falciparum is a parasite that causes malaria in humans. While most instances of malaria are easily treated, brain malaria is a serious complication that results in the red blood cells into brain tissue and cause ischemia - restrictions in the blood supsules that cause dysfunction or tissue damage. Mikroglia also participates in brain malaria phagocytosis and minimize damage caused by.