Nascent microglia in the developing brain.

Nascent microglia cells in the developing brain were studied by morphological, cytochemical, and autoradiographic methods. These cells are a well differentiated population, characterized by the presence of an activated nucleus, numerous ribosomes, a well developed Golgi system and associated structures including clear vesicles, dense granules, and membrane-bound polymorphous structures. Big clear vacuoles in the cytoplasm are a constant feature; filaments and microtubules are found in variable numbers. Finger-like projections and invaginations of the plasma membrane are usually found. The identification of these cells with the classical microglial cells stained by Rio Hortega's method was made by reconstruction of 20 cells using serial sections. These cells show strong NADPH dehydrogenase, ATPase, and acid phosphatase activities, in addition to nonspecific esterase activity which is inhibited by sodium fluoride. Transfusion of labeled bone marrow cells from a donor showed labeled cells only in those areas in which nascent microglia cells are more abundant. Taken together, these data suggest an exogenous, most probably monocytic, origin of nascent microglia. New studies with membrane markers are, however, needed for providing better characterization of these cells.