Dopaminergic signaling regulates microglial surveillance and adolescent plasticity in the mouse frontal cortex
Overview
Paper Summary
This mouse study showed that microglia in the frontal cortex promote new connections in response to dopamine during adolescence, and that this process requires a specific receptor on microglia (P2RY12). Blocking this receptor, or interfering with dopamine signaling, prevented the formation of new connections, suggesting a key role for microglia in adolescent brain plasticity.
Explain Like I'm Five
Microglia, brain immune cells, help make new connections in teen mouse brains when they get dopamine. Blocking a chemical on microglia stops these new connections.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
Strong methodology with longitudinal imaging and optogenetics, but limited generalizability due to the use of a single model organism (mice), focus on adolescent plasticity in a specific brain region (M2).
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