Brain Guardians Remove Dying Neurons (IMAGE)

Salk Institute

Brain Guardians Remove Dying Neurons

Caption

Salk scientists show that two immune cell receptors, called Mer and Axl, are responsible for consuming dead or dysfunctional brain cells. An accumulation of dead cells (green spots) is seen in the subventricular zone (SVZ) -- a neurogenic region -- of the brain in a mouse lacking the receptors Mer and Axl. (Blue staining marks all cells.) No green spots are seen in the SVZ from a normal mouse.

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Salk Institute

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