动物实验,免疫力 z-bo 2020-08-25 482

　　A recent mouse study published in "Nature Medicine" found that the activation of the reward center in the brain may affect the body's immune resistance to certain bacterial pathogens (E. coli).

　　Brain reward centers are usually affected by natural reward stimuli and positive expectations. Positive emotions and expectations activate the brain's reward circuit and affect many physiological processes, including those related to immune system function. However, the effect of cells on specific brain regions and peripheral immunity is unclear.

　　AsyaRolls, ShaiShen-Orr of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, and colleagues used genetic technology to identify DREADD receptors in mouse brains and dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area of the mouse brain. I tried to express it only. DREADD receptor is the whole process. Designed receptors activated by specific engineered drugs. "In order to enhance the brain activity of this reward center, the researchers activated these receptors the day before using E. coli to challenge the immune system of mice, allowing peripheral immune cells to induce the receptor in short-term and long-term experiments. It was observed to have an enhancement. The ability to resist bacteria. These effects are offset by the inactivation of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. In short, the peripheral sympathetic nervous system is the bridge between the brain's core reward circuit and the peripheral immune system.

　　This idea has not been tested experimentally, but this research can provide a biological basis for the well-known placebo effect. With the placebo effect, the positive expectations of patients will bring about a series of physical improvements in health. The authors speculate that natural reward stimuli (such as mating and feeding behaviors) may activate the ventral tegmental area and increase the likelihood of exposure to bacteria. Further research is needed to investigate the effective conditions. In addition, further research is needed to understand whether this relationship between the brain and the immune system affects the immune defense of other pathogens (such as viruses).