Microglia mediate the increase in slow-wave sleep associated with high ambient temperature.

An increase in ambient temperature leads to an increase in sleep. However, the mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of microglia in the increase of sleep caused by high ambient temperature.

Methyl vinyl ketone impairs spatial memory and activates hippocampal glial cells in mice.

Memory is a fundamental brain function that can be affected by a variety of external factors including environmental pollutants. One of these pollutants is methyl vinyl ketone (MVK), a hazardous substance found in cigarettes, industrial wastes, and car exhaust. Humans can be exposed to MVK under many circumstances; however, it is unclear whether MVK affects higher-order brain functions such as memory.

Ablation of microglia does not alter circadian rhythm of locomotor activity.

Microglia, as macrophages in the brain, are responsible for immune responses and synaptic remodeling. Although the function of microglia is regulated by circadian rhythms, it is still unclear whether microglia are involved in the generation and light entrainment of circadian rhythms of behavior. Here, we report that microglial depletion does not alter behavioral circadian rhythms.