Figure 6
Activation of microglia-enriched neuronal-glial cultures induces complete neurodegeneration. The microglia population was enriched in neuronal-glial cultures by adding isolated microglia (50,000 microglia/cm2). Neuronal death was assessed by propidium iodide staining (PI) or chromatin condensation of neuronal nuclei (CC) at 48 hours after treatment (a). Neuronal death was prevented by inhibitors of iNOS (25 μM 1400W), NADPH oxidase (1 mM apocynin), a blocker of the NMDA-receptor (10 μM MK-801), or a peroxynitrite scavenger (100 μM FeTPPS). LPS/IFN-γ activation of the microglia-enriched neuronal-glial cultures led to complete disintegration of neuronal processes and severe shrinkage of neuronal cell bodies (b). Statistical differences were established using ANOVA at *p < 0.05 and ***p < 0.001, in comparison to control (added microglia) non-activated cultures, and the symbol # replaces * when comparing protection against neuronal death induced by LPS/IFN-γ activated cultures. Statistical significance refers to the total death (black + white parts of the bar). Data expressed is mean ± SEM, n = 3 or more. Photographs shown are representative and were taken 48 hours after the addition of LPS/IFN-γ.