The role of microglial cells and astrocytes in fibrillar plaque evolution in transgenic APPSW mice

Fibrillar plaques in the brains of human APP(SW) transgenic mice were reconstructed at different stages of formation and maturation.

• Microglial cells may not participate in the removal and degradation of Abeta but could drive plaque formation and development.
• Fibrillar Abeta deposition at microglial cell surfaces appears to trigger neuron degeneration and the activation of astrocytes and other microglial cells.
• Toxic injury to neurons is indicated by the enlargement of neuronal processes and synapses, along with the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and other cellular debris.
• The separation of amyloid cores from neurons and their degradation by hypertrophic astrocytic processes suggest a defensive response to fibrillar Abeta.
• The growth of plaques, characterized by the recruitment of multiple microglial cells, may be a typical feature of cored plaques in transgenic mice.
• Mouse microglial cells exhibit unique features, such as vacuole clusters that evolve into large vacuoles filled with amorphous material, which are not found in human brain microglia.

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