Regional microglia are transcriptionally distinct but similarly exacerbate neurodegeneration in a culture model of Parkinson's disease.

These results suggest that the balance of astrocytes and microglia within the midbrain is a key factor underlying the selective vulnerability of SN DA neurons seen in PD pathogenesis and that VTA astrocytes mediate protection of DA neurons which can be countered by greater numbers of deleterious microglia.