ORCID

Abstract

Microglia are resident immune cells in the brain and exert important functions in the regulation of inflammatory processes during infection or cellular damage. Upon activation, microglia undergo complex morphological and functional transitions, including increased motility, phagocytosis and cytokine secretion. Recent findings indicate that exosomes, small vesicles that derive from fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane, are involved in secretion of certain cytokines. The presence of specific receptors on the surface of microglia suggests communication with neurons by neurotransmitters. Here, we demonstrate expression of serotonin receptors, including 5‐HT2a,b and 5‐HT4 in microglial cells and their functional involvement in the modulation of exosome release by serotonin. Our data demonstrate the involvement of cAMP and Ca2+ dependent signaling pathways in the regulation of exosome secretion. Co‐culture of microglia with embryonic stem cell‐derived serotonergic neurons further demonstrated functional signaling between neurons and microglia. Together, these data provide evidence for neurotransmitter‐dependent signaling pathways in microglial cells that regulate exosome release. GLIA 2015;63:626–634

DOI

10.1002/glia.22772

Publication Date

2015-04-01

Publication Title

GLIA

Volume

63

Issue

4

ISSN

0894-1491

Organisational Unit

Peninsula Medical School

First Page

626

Last Page

634

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