Are you checking the microglial activation in the in-vitro or in-vivo system?
In the in-vivo system it may depend upon our experimental model, however microglial activation has been observed even after 10mins following injury in the brain of traumatic brain injury models.
In the in-vitro system it depends on the toxins you'll be using MPP+, LPS+ATP, LPS can activate microglia from 4-8hrs following exposure.
Please find the link attached to the article.
Article Fast microglial activation after severe traumatic brain injuries