Interesting article about microglia in the brain--intriguing that they are related to WBC:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721142410.htm
first paragraph:
ScienceDaily (July 22, 2011) Gardeners know that some trees require regular pruning: some of their branches have to be cut so that others can grow stronger. The same is true of the developing brain: cells called microglia prune the connections between neurons, shaping how the brain is wired, scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Monterotondo, Italy, discovered. Published online in Science, the findings could one day help understand neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721142410.htm
first paragraph:
ScienceDaily (July 22, 2011) Gardeners know that some trees require regular pruning: some of their branches have to be cut so that others can grow stronger. The same is true of the developing brain: cells called microglia prune the connections between neurons, shaping how the brain is wired, scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Monterotondo, Italy, discovered. Published online in Science, the findings could one day help understand neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.