Assessing Microglial Phagocytosis of Myelin Debris in vitro Under Repeated Magnetic Stimulation.

Abstract

Microglia, the resident phagocytes of the central nervous system (CNS), play a pivotal role in maintaining CNS integrity and homeostasis by removing damaged cells, cellular debris, and myelin remnants. The accumulation of myelin debris is implicated in a range of CNS disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. The presence of myelin debris not only exacerbates neuroinflammation but also hampers the regenerative potential of myelin. Therefore, enhancing the ability of microglia to clear myelin debris through phagocytosis represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Magnetic stimulation has emerged as an innovative treatment modality for CNS diseases, with growing evidence suggesting its potential to promote microglial phagocytosis and support CNS recovery. To further elucidate the effects of magnetic stimulation on microglial clearance of myelin debris, we designed an in vitro experiment involving the co-culture of microglia and myelin debris. The co-culture was subjected to repetitive magnetic stimulation to assess its impact on microglial phagocytic activity in the context of CNS pathology.