Table 4 Summary of comparisons of methods for the detection and analysis of microglial activation

CD11b + area vs. CD11b + morphology

Yu et al. [41]

CD11b + morphology showed higher sensitivity

CD68 + area vs. CD68 qPCR

Haber et al. [61]

CD68 + area showed higher sensitivity

CD68 + area vs. Iba1 + area

Haber et al. [60]

CD68 + area showed higher sensitivity

Haber et al. [61]

Iba1 + area showed higher sensitivity

CD68 + intensity vs. Iba1 + intensity

Robinson et al. [62]

Inconclusive comparison

Iba1 + area vs. CD68 qPCR

Haber et al. [61]

Iba1 + area showed higher sensitivity

Iba1 + area vs. Iba1 + clustering

Schwerin et al. [53]

Iba1 + clustering showed higher sensitivity