Disruption of microglia histone acetylation and protein pathways in mice exhibiting inflammation-associated depression-like symptoms

Behavioral and molecular studies are uncovering the relationship between immune challenge, neuroinflammation, and depression behaviors (Dantzer et al., 2008; O ’Connor et al., 2009). Peripheral immune challenge can activate microglia, the innate immune cells of the brain. Changes in cytokines and other cell signals can dysregulate the tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway that is associated with depression-like behaviors. Mice challenged peripherally w ith Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) exhibit sickness symptoms reflected by weight loss early in the first 2 days after challenge followed by recovery of weight by day 5 post challenge (Rodriguez-Zas et al., 2015).
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research