Immune cells in the brain (microglia) are more active in individuals with schizophrenia and those at very high risk for the disorder, according to new study.
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Interestingly bipolar disorder, which is in some mysterious way related to schizophrenia, is often treated with lithium. Lithium is neuroprotective in part by boosting BCL 2, a mitochondrial anti-apoptotic protein that helps reduce inflammation. Yesterday I noted some abstracts regarding a news release Frank posted on the protective effects of N acetyl cysteine + minocycline post traumatic rain injury. Minocycline also boosts BCL-2. Frank, I was hoping to find data indicating minocycline increased nitric oxide expression and so compensated for the vasospasm that occurs in TBI. Data is confusing, may be that in non-pathological states it increases nitric oxide but in pathological states decreases it. It definitely impacts on nitrogenic pathways.
Much more importantly we need to recognise that microglia in particular play a fundamental role in emotional regulation. We haven't crossed that bridge yet but the foundations are currently being prepared.
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