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TLR4

·June 15, 2020·3 min read

Brothers in arms: The brain and its blood vessels

Blood vessels can sense the metabolic state of nearby neurons. An imbalance of fatty acids is sensed by neural blood vessels, stimulating them to mount a stress response by loosening the blood-brain barrier. If the imbalance remains, the leaky blood-brain barrier can induce a disease state.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 12, 2020·5 min read

How memory function could be preserved after brain injury

Suppressing TLR4 activity following a traumatic brain injury, such as concussion, reduces excitability, and improves working memory performance up-to a month later.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 16, 2019·3 min read

Gut microbes protect against neurologic damage from viral infections

A healthy and diverse microbiome is essential for quickly clearing viral infections in the nervous system to prevent risks associated with multiple sclerosis. Mice with lower gut bacteria had weaker immune responses and were unable to eliminate viruses, leading to worsening paralysis. Those treated with antibiotics before infection had fewer microglia.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 19, 2018·4 min read

Neuroinflammation Play a Critical Role in Stress Induced Depression

Researchers report repeated social defeat stress activates microglia in the medial prefrontal cortex, triggering inflammation related cytokines. This leads to impaired neural responses in the mPFC, resulting in depressive behavior.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 15, 2017·4 min read

Immune System Linked to Alcohol Drinking Behavior

According to a new study, researchers were able to reduce the urge to drink alcohol in mice by blocking an immune response in the brain. The study reveals a link between the immune system and the motivation to indulge in drinking at night.