Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining a cell population enriched in microglial cells by contacting a composition containing microglial cells with immunoglobulin immobilized on a matrix such as a polystyrene matrix before or after contact with the cells, allowing the cells to bind to the with immunoglobulin, and removing non-adherent cells to obtain a cell population containing preferably at least 95% microglial cells. The immunoglobulin may be Fc domain-containing immunoglobulin G, and Fc receptors of the microglial cells bind to the Fc domain of immunoglobulin G. Purified Fc fragments from immunoglobulin G may be used in place of immunoglobulin G. The microglial cells may be from brain tissue, and from tissue of a normal animal or tissue of an animal having a neurological disorder.