Immunofluorescence microscope image of the choroid plexus. Epithelial cells are in green and chemokine proteins (CXCL10) are in red
Weizmann Institute researchers suggest that the brain’s “immunological age” is what counts
How the brain ages is still largely an open question – in part because this organ is mostly insulated from direct contact with other systems in the body, including the blood and immune systems. In research that was recently published in Science, Weizmann Institute researchers Prof. Michal Schwartz of the Neurobiology Department and Dr. Ido Amit of Immunology Department found evidence of a unique “signature” that may be the “missing link” between cognitive decline and aging. The scientists believe that this discovery may lead, in the future, to treatments that can slow or reverse cognitive decline in older people.
Until a decade ago, scientific dogma held that the blood-brain barrier prevents the blood-borne immune cells from attacking and destroying brain tissue. Yet in a long series of studies, Schwartz’s group had shown that the immune system actually plays an important role both in healing the brain after injury and in maintaining the brain’s normal functioning. They have found that this brain-immune interaction occurs across a barrier that is actually a unique interface within the brain’s territory.
This interface, known as the choroid plexus, is found in each of the brain’s four ventricles, and it separates the blood from the cerebrospinal fluid. Schwartz: “The choroid plexus acts as a ‘remote control’ for the immune system to affect brain activity. Biochemical ‘danger’ signals released from the brain are sensed through this interface; in turn, blood-borne immune cells assist by communicating with the choroid plexus.This cross-talk is important for preserving cognitive abilities and promoting the generation of new brain cells.”
This finding led Schwartz and her group to suggest that cognitive decline over the years may be connected not only to one’s “chronological age” but also to one’s “immunological age,” that is, changes in immune function over time might contribute to changes in brain function – not necessarily in step with the count of one’s years.
The Latest on: Aging in the Brain
via Google News
The Latest on: Aging in the Brain
- COVID-19 Infection May Accelerate Brain Ageing, Finds Studyon August 2, 2022 at 6:19 am
However, given the ever-evolving nature of this field, associations like the ones described in this review show the fight against COVID-19 is far from over, the researchers said, ...
- Coronavirus Infection May Accelerate Brain Ageing, Shows New Studyon August 2, 2022 at 5:39 am
A new research published in the journal Ageing Research Reviews shows that COVID-19 may increase thr likelihood of strokes and the chance of developing lesions., , coronavirus, Houston Methodist ...
- COVID-19 infection may accelerate brain ageing: Studyon August 2, 2022 at 1:01 am
The finding, published in the journal Ageing Research Reviews, also shows that COVID-19 may increase the likelihood of strokes and the chance of developing persistent lesions that can lead to brain ...
- More Evidence Ultraprocessed Foods Detrimental for the Brainon August 1, 2022 at 10:47 am
Adding to other recent research showing harmful effects on the brain from eating a diet rich in ultraprocessed food, new findings suggest this type of diet can accelerate cognitive decline.
- Brain hypermutability is a process associated with agingon August 1, 2022 at 7:40 am
Sequence analysis of 131 human brains has revealed the mutagenesis processes that take place throughout life, from development to senescence. In a new study published in the July 29, 2022, issue of ...
- 4 Best Vegetables to Keep Your Brain Young, Says Dietitianon August 1, 2022 at 5:24 am
Your diet plays a key role in caring for your brain as you age. Here are some of the best vegetables for keeping your brain young.
- Sure Signs Your Brain Isn't as Strong as it Should Beon July 31, 2022 at 5:00 am
Is it normal brain aging, or dementia? While our brains do shrink as we get older, it's important to know what's typical and what could be a sign of something more serious. "Basically, mild cognitive ...
- Brain imaging research looks to find Alzheimer's at its earliest stageson July 30, 2022 at 5:00 pm
Brandeis researchers are embarking on a five-year study to examine activity in a small nucleus in the brain that could identify Alzheimer's disease at earlier stages than ever before. Assistant ...
- Swimming gives your brain a boost – but scientists don't know yet why it's better than other aerobic activitieson July 30, 2022 at 7:03 am
Mounting research shows that going for a swim can preserve memories, reduce mood disorders and increase mental acuity in all age groups.
- What Science Says About the Eating Habits That Actually Slow Agingon July 29, 2022 at 9:03 am
There is a lot of talk going around about how to eat in a way that slows your aging process. But what does the science actually say?
via Bing News