Microglia and Alzheimer's Plaques (IMAGE)

Helmholtz Association

Microglia and Alzheimer's Plaques

Caption

The plaque deposits in the brain of Alzheimer's patients are surrounded by the brain's own immune cells, the microglia. This was already recognized by Alois Alzheimer more than one hundred years ago. But until today it still remains unclear what role microglia play in Alzheimer's disease. Do they help to break down the plaque deposit? A study by researchers of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch and Charité -- Universitätsmedizin Berlin has now shed light on these mysterious microglia during the progression of Alzheimer's disease. (PLoS One, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0060921)* The photos shows microglia (brown), clustering around the beta-amyloid deposits (red) in a mouse model for Alzheimer's disease.

Credit

(Photo: Frank Heppner/ Copyright: Charité)

Usage Restrictions

Only in connection with the press release

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.