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Abstract: Characterization of Spinal Cord Microglia. Previous studies suggest that the functional response properties of activated brain microglia varied according to the brain region they were derived from, suggesting that these activation profiles are a function of their local environment. CNS microglia are a heterogeneous population of cells whose immune function is determined by local environment, severity of injury and age of the animal. The functional profiles of microglia derived from the spinal cord have not previously been investigated. Here, cell culture methods were used to probe the morphological and secretory response profiles of spinal cord microglia in response to activating stimuli. Our results suggest that spinal cord microglia may be less pro-inflammatory on activation through various models of injury or environmental condition. These differences between microglial activation pathways in spinal cord microglia as compared to brain microglia are an important consideration in rational design of immune-modulatory or anti-inflammatory therapies specific for spinal cord and brain injuries.