动物实验 z-bo 2020-10-27 461

　　A new animal experiment shows that aging affects the brain earlier than other parts of the body. An article from the American Physiological Society pointed out that during the experiment, the immune cells in the brains of middle-aged mice showed activity similar to that of old mice.

　　These cells are called microglia and control potentially harmful inflammation in brain cells.

　　Excessive inflammation of the brain is associated with aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. These include Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

　　Because microglia are responsible for specific processes in the brain, researchers have believed that they are part of the culprit in neurodegeneration.

　　Microglia over-reacts to aging, unable to control the inflammatory immune response

　　Microglia protect the brain from infectious pathogens. They also ensure that the brain functions in the right way. When they detect an infection, the microglia release pro-inflammatory molecules. These inflammations can infect the affected tissues as part of the overall immune response. After the disease is resolved, they release anti-inflammatory molecules, thereby inactivating inflammation.

　　Young microglia can maintain strict control of the immune response. As they age, they begin to overreact and may cause inflammation earlier or when unnecessary. They may also start to lose control of their immune activity. The earlier microglia may take a long time to release anti-inflammatory drugs, thereby stopping the immune response.