Overactivity of immune cells surrounding the brain contributes to the development of hypertension-related dementia. The discovery was published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
Scientists examined changes in the brains of mice with hypertension. Biologists found abnormally high levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the animals’ cerebrospinal fluid. Further research showed that when IL-17 enters the brain, it activates macrophage immune cells, which are responsible for increasing inflammation when fighting infections. Genetically modified mice that were insensitive to IL-17 did not develop hypertension-related dementia. This means that it is the activation of macrophages by IL-17 that causes the decline in mental abilities.
Scientists also found the source of IL-17: it turned out to be immune cells in the brain membrane. Normally, substances from the meninges do not enter the brain due to a special barrier. However, it was eliminated in mice with hypertension. An antibody that blocks the release of IL-17 repaired the minds of mice. This suggests that targeting overactive immune cells in the meninges may be a new approach to treating hypertension-related dementia.
Previous scientists I learnedIt is stated that antidepressants may be an effective treatment against Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.