Up until just recently, scientists were led to believe that the brain lacked any direct connection to the immune system. However, recent studies carried out by Jonathan Kipnis, Ph.D., and chairperson of the University of Virginia’s Department of Neuroscience, and the team has just overturned this theory and proved that the immune system does in fact directly affect the way in which we display social behaviors.
Last year the same team discovered that meningeal vessels directly link the brain with the lymphatic system also, which paved the way for the most recent studies carried out today. Now, scientists believe that the relationship between people and pathogens may have directly affected the social behavior development in humans that were essential for survival and evolution.
One particular immune molecule that seemed to play a large part in the regulation of social behavior in creatures such as flies and rats is interferon gamma. When these particular creatures become social, the interferon gamma molecules are activated, but when this molecule is taken away, the animals were much less social. This proves that the molecule plays a significant role in maintaining proper social behavior. To survive and evolve it is essential that animals socialize to a certain degree.
Conclusions from the studies will allow researchers to investigate further the link between the brain and the immune system which could lead to better treatments for autism, schizophrenia and other neurological conditions. This is just the first step in the right direction for scientists to gaining a deeper understanding of these disorders and help them to develop new techniques and treatments for those in need.
Source; ScienceDaily
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