Abstract
The presence of microglial activation in the brain provides a marker of disease activity. The function of activated microglia can be both detrimental and beneficial depending on the phenotype. Microglia with the M1 phenotype release cytokines, which may drive disease progression, while M2 microglia generate restorative growth factors, help clear cellular debris and abnormal protein aggregations, and remodel connections as an adaptive response to brain damage. Activated microglia express translocator protein and cannabinoid CB2 sites, which allows their presence to be imaged in vivo with positron emission tomography radioligands. In this chapter, the role of microglial imaging is discussed in Parkinsonian disorders and other neurodegenerative and inflammatory brain diseases.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease : Scientific and Clinical Aspects |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
| Publication date | 1 May 2014 |
| Pages | 205-216 |
| ISBN (Print) | 3319080458, 9783319080451 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9783319080468 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 May 2014 |