The neurotransmitter histamine is known to be involved in allergic reactions and other physiological processes. It works by dilating blood vessels and making their walls more permeable so that immune cells can move around more easily. To the extent that autoimmune disorders share some characteristics with allergic reactions, it seems reasonable that similar pathways couldContinueContinue reading “Histamine links allergy and autoimmune disease”
Author Archives: monicascicom
Astrocytes ‘feed’ memory formation
Astrocytes were initially considered ‘extras’ in the brain, supporting neurons, the principal actors. But more recent work has suggested that they are involved in cognitive functions such as information processing, signal transmission, and neural and synaptic plasticity. Now these star-shaped cells are moving farther into the spotlight, as new research shows them to be essentialContinueContinue reading “Astrocytes ‘feed’ memory formation”
MicroRNA regulates deafness
Deafness and progressive hearing loss are relatively common in the human population, yet little is known about their genetic basis. But scientists recently identified the molecular mechanism underlying deafness in a mouse model, a discovery that could lead to new treatments for progressive hearing loss. Lab Anim. (NY) 40, 61 (2011). view full text (loginContinueContinue reading “MicroRNA regulates deafness”
Raise a glass to vascular health
It’s no secret that vascular health declines with age. Contributing to this decline is dysfunction of the endothelium, the inner lining of the blood vessels. Normally, a functional endothelium enables coagulation, platelet adhesion and immune activity. However, its dysfunction is associated with reduced anticoagulant properties and an inability of arteries and arterioles to dilate fully,ContinueContinue reading “Raise a glass to vascular health”
Sex reversal linked to Sox3
Sex in mammals is genetically determined; females normally have two X chromosomes, and males normally have one X and one Y chromosome. But sometimes an individual with two X chromosomes is born with male genitalia, in a case of XX male sex reversal. The incidence of XX male sex reversal in humans is roughly 1ContinueContinue reading “Sex reversal linked to Sox3”
Inflammatory response brings mice down
New research led by scientists at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) suggests a link between systemic inflammatory responses and depressive behavior in mice. More work is needed to define the association more thoroughly, but the study results identify a new mechanism for depressive illness and suggest that new therapies targeting inflammatory response pathways may find clinicalContinueContinue reading “Inflammatory response brings mice down”
The secret to primate success
In a changing environment, fitness of a population might be expected to fluctuate, as environmental variables influence that population’s fertility and survival rates. In a recent analysis of long-term fitness of seven primate populations, however, changes in adult survival rates were relatively small (Am. Nat. doi:10.1086/657443; published online 30 November 2010). Lab Anim. (NY) 40,ContinueContinue reading “The secret to primate success”
Telomerase turns back the clock
Telomeres are ‘caps’ of DNA located at the ends of chromosomes that shorten as cells divide. The loss of telomeres is associated with tissue atrophy, stem cell depletion, organ failure and impaired injury response, and this structural and functional decline accelerates with age. Scientists have wondered whether restoring telomere function could slow or even stopContinueContinue reading “Telomerase turns back the clock”
Alternate energy pathway, longer life
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is commonly used in research on longevity because of its relative simplicity and amenability to genetic manipulation. Worms carrying certain genetic mutations, called Mit mutants, have compromised energy pathways but surprisingly long lifespans. Jeffrey A. Butler (University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio) and colleagues have proposed that MitContinueContinue reading “Alternate energy pathway, longer life”
Air pollution linked to obesity, inflammation
Roughly one-third of the US population may be at an increased risk of developing health problems resulting from exposure to polluted air containing fine particulates. The tiny size of these pollutants allows them to travel deep into the lungs or other organs, potentially causing damage. In a new study, the specific effects of exposure toContinueContinue reading “Air pollution linked to obesity, inflammation”
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