Which of the following is associated with ependy¬mal cells rather than microglial cells?
Ependymal cells line the cerebral ventricles and have blepharoplasts that are visible with special stains. They are useful histologic markers that document the epen­dymal origin of a brain tumor. Microglial cells are derived from macrophages and are the phagocytic cells of the central nervous system. When activated, microg­lial cells are called gitter cells and have a foamy appear­ance. Neuronophagia (e.g., viral encephalitis, poliomy­elitis) occurs when microglial cells phagocytize breakdown products of the neuron. Rod-like microg­lial cells are seen in neurosyphilis. Macrophages are primarily responsible for carrying HIV into the central nervous system and are the reservoir cell for the virus.
Blepharoplasts
Rod cells
Gitter cells
Reservoir for HIV