The immunological test commonly used to assess microglial activation is immunohistochemistry (IHC). This technique involves staining brain tissue sections with specific antibodies that target markers associated with activated microglia, such as CD68 or Iba1. By observing the staining pattern, researchers can identify and quantify activated microglial cells under a microscope, providing insights into neuroinflammatory processes.
One common immunological test to assess microglial activation is immunohistochemistry, where specific markers like Iba1 or CD68 are used to visualize and quantify activated microglia in brain tissue.
Immunohistochemistry is primarily performed on tissue samples, such as those from the brain, rather than blood. It involves using antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissue sections. For blood-related tests, other techniques like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or flow cytometry are commonly employed.