As we age, the essential cleaning process that our brains need to maintain functioning starts to fail and fail. In a new study, scientists found ways to increase the waste removal cycle in mice’s brains.
The research, led by a team from Washington University in St. Louis, focuses on ships around the brain Meningeal lymphatic ductbrain vacuum cleaner. These containers are part of the larger lymphatic system in the body, causing waste disposal and support for the immune system.
The researchers used target protein therapy in elderly mice to assist in the growth and surgery of these meningeal lymphatic vessels. Subsequent experiments showed that treated mice had improved memory function compared to untreated animals.
Here is a clear link to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, conditions in which the aging brain loses memory and cognitive abilities. This new task could provide clues on how to delay or prevent dementia.
“The functioning lymphatic system is important for brain health and memory.” say Kyungdeok Kim is a neuroscientist from Washington University in St. Louis.
“Treatments that support the health of the body’s waste management system can provide health benefits for naturally aging brains.”
The team also discovered that protein interleukin-6 is used as a kind of pain signal by overwhelmed immune cells. Microglia – Distress signal sent when the brain irrigation device is overwhelmed.
Besides enhancing the memory of mice, lymphatic processing also reduced interleukin-6 levels, restored order to this part of the immune system, and prevented some of the brain damage caused by stressed microglia.
Another important aspect of the study: Meningeal lymphatic vessels are just outside the brain, so they can be targeted without the complexity of having to go through them Blood-brain barrier It helps to keep your brain protected.
“The physiological blood-brain barrier prevents the effectiveness of treatments against neurological disorders.” say Jonathan Kipnis is a neuroscientist from Washington University in St. Louis.
“By targeting a network of external brain containers that are important for brain health, we can see cognitive improvements in mice, opening a window to develop stronger therapies to prevent or delay cognitive decline.”
All of these are important insights into how normal brain communication networks are disrupted when toxic substances accumulate without being cleaned up. It’s not the same as accumulating on a railway and a train stops travel.
The new discoveries fit well with previous studies, such as the 2022 study in which cerebrospinal fluid injections boosted mice’s memory.
“We may not be able to revive neurons, but we may be able to ensure the most optimal function through modulation of the meningeal lymphatic vessels.” say Kipnis.
This study is published in cell.
