Mini-brain in Klosterneuburg: Medicinal tests with microglia revolutionize research!
Mini-brain in Klosterneuburg: Medicinal tests with microglia revolutionize research!
A team from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg, consisting of the researchers Sandra Siegert and Verena Schmied, has developed innovative brain organoids that can be used for drug tests. These organoids were bred from stem cells that were obtained from body cells, and contain microglia cells that are immune cells of the central nervous system. According to a report by Kleine Zeitung this showed the full integration of the microglia cells into the organoid, which was verified by microscopic examinations.
The researchers simulated virus infections in the organoids with artificially produced virus fragments. The reaction of the microglia cells to these infections led to an inflammatory reaction that disturbed the proper structure of the neural network. Such disorders could potentially lead to neurological developmental disorders. The previous treatment options are limited because there are no specific antiviral therapy for rubella, apart from anti -inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
effect of ibuprofen
In the context of their study, the researchers administered the viral -infected organoid ibuprofen in order to examine possible side effects on the developing brain. After the administration of ibuprofen, the researchers found that the changes in the organoid was declining and a normal neural environment was restored. The protective effect of this drug is probably based on the inhibition of the inflammatory enzyme COX 1 in the microglia cells.The results of this study indicate that brain organoid models can imitate inflammatory reactions and their therapeutic treatment with integrated microglia cells. This could prove to be extremely useful for the security check of medication that is used in pregnant women.
meaning of the microglia
The role of the microglia in the brain is complex and crucial for maintaining brain health. Microglia, which arises from primitive macrophages during embryonic development, act as immune guards in the brain, interact with neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and regulate inflammatory reactions. According to a comprehensive consideration at PMC , microglia can switch to pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states, which makes them an important goal for therapeutic interventions.
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