In rats with toxin-damaged cerebellums, 4 weeks of the blood-pressure drug losartan reduced oxidative damage, inflammation and tissue injury. A nanoparticle version did better on several tissue and staining measures, but not on gene activity.1 Research Highlights A small rat experiment: 24 male rats in 4 groups of 6. Three groups received carbon tetrachloride (a …
A 2026 rat and astrocyte study found that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes given 6 hours after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage reduced pro-inflammatory signaling and improved neurological recovery scores through the PI3K/AKT/PKM2/H3K18la pathway.1 The result is a mechanistic preclinical signal, not an emergency treatment for human brain hemorrhage. Research Highlights Exosomes were timed early: …
A 2026 Nature mouse study found that basolateral amygdala astrocyte Ca2+ signals tracked fear retrieval and extinction, then showed causality: 3 mg/kg CNO manipulations of astrocyte DREADDs pushed early-extinction freezing in opposite directions while both disrupting later extinction retrieval.1 Research Highlights Astrocytes tracked fear state: after 3 tone-shock pairings and 2 days of 25 cue-only …
In the complex and evolving field of neuroscience, the role of synaptic plasticity in psychiatric disorders has garnered significant attention. d-Cycloserine (DCS), a partial agonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), emerges as a key player in potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches. Highlights: d-Cycloserine (DCS): Initially an antimicrobial agent, DCS is now known for its role as …