Journal of neuroimmunology
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Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is densely expressed in the ependymal region and leptomeninges, and it is susceptible to pathological responses triggered by antibodies from blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Therefore, enhancement of these regions may be related to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). ⋯ Enhancement of the leptomeninges and ventricular ependymal region more frequently occurs in NMOSD patients than in MS patients. This may be considered as characteristic clue in the diagnosis of NMOSD.
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We investigated whether microglia form gap junctions with themselves, or with astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or neurons in vivo in normal mouse brains, and in pathological conditions that induce microglial activation - brain injury and a model of Alzheimer's disease. Although microglia are in close physical proximity to glia and neurons, they do not form functional gap junctions under these pathological conditions.