Fc receptor density, MHC antigen expression and superoxide production are increased in interferon-gamma-treated microglia isolated from adult rat brain.

Treatment of microglia isolated from adult rat brain with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) at a concentration of 1 U/ml resulted in enhanced expression of Fc receptors and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and increased production of superoxide anions. Neonatal microglia and peritoneal macrophages, isolated and cultured in the same manner, displayed functional properties very similar to those of adult microglia, indicating a common origin for different macrophage populations. The Fc binding capacity of microglia was found to be significantly greater than that of peritoneal cells, thus underlining the potential role of microglia in immune-mediated demyelination.