Neuroimmunology of the female brain across the lifespan: plasticity to psychopathology

Publication date: Available online 11 March 2019Source: Brain, Behavior, and ImmunityAuthor(s): R.M. Barrientos, PJ Brunton, KM Lenz, L Pyter, S.J. SpencerAbstractThe female brain is highly dynamic and can fundamentally remodel throughout the normal ovarian cycle as well as in critical life stages including perinatal development, pregnancy and old-age. As such, females are particularly vulnerable to infections, psychological disorders, certain cancers, and cognitive impairments. We will present the latest evidence on the female brain; how it develops through the neonatal period; how it changes through the ovarian cycle in normal individuals; how it adapts to pregnancy and postpartum; how it responds to illness and disease, particularly cancer; and, finally, how it is shaped by old age. Throughout, we will highlight female vulnerability to and resilience against disease and dysfunction in the face of environmental challenges.
Source: Brain, Behavior, and Immunity - Category: Neurology Source Type: research