Sex differences in the phagocytic and migratory activity of microglia and their impairment by palmitic acid

In this study, we have determined the effect of palmitic acid in the inflammatory profile, motility, and phagocytosis of primary male and female microglia, both in basal conditions and in the presence of a pro‐inflammatory stimulus (interferon‐γ). Male microglia in vitro showed higher migration than female microglia under basal and stimulated conditions. In contrast, female microglia had higher basal and stimulated phagocytic activity than male microglia. Palmitic acid did not affect basal migration or phagocytosis, but abolished the migration and phagocytic activity of male and female microglia in response to interferon‐γ. These findings extend previous observations of sex differences in microglia and suggest that palmitic acid impairs the protective responses of these cells. Main Points Male microglia in vitro show higher migration but lower phagocytic activity than female microglia in basal conditions and after interferon‐γ (IFNγ) stimulation. Palmitic acid abolishes migration and phagocytosis of male and female microglia stimulated with IFNγ.
Source: Glia - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research