Brain's immune system triggered...( lso measured levels of two immune syste...),Health

lso measured levels of two immune system proteins, called cytokines and chemokines, found in the cerebrospinal fluid - the clear substance that surrounds, bathes and nourishes the brain and spinal cord - in six living patients with autism, ages 5 to 12 years.

Compared with normal control brains, the brains of people with autism showed evidence of an ongoing inflammatory process in different regions of the brain and produced by cells known as microglia and astroglia, says Pardo. Cytokine and chemokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid also were abnormally elevated in patients with autism.

"These findings suggest that the inflammation is localized to specific regions within the brain and not caused by immune system abnormalities from outside the brain," says Pardo.

Pardo and colleagues are now studying how the genetic background of patients and families may influence immune system reactions in the brain associated with autism.

'"/>

Contact: Trent Stockton
tstockt1@jhmi.edu
410-955-8665
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
15-Nov-2004

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Brains nicotine receptors also target for anti-depressants
2. Brains daydream network offers detection for Alzheimers diagnosis
3. Brains efforts to save itself during Alzheimers may backfire
4. Novel Imaging Agent Developed By Penn Researchers Provides Insight Into Brains Message Delivery System
5. PITT Researchers Demonstrate Human Brains Natural Mechanism For Guarding Against Errors
6. 3D Ultrasound Gives Better View Of Brains Arteries
7. Chemists identify immune system mechanism for methamphetamine binges
8. Tumor-targeted immune cells cure prostate cancer in mice without causing systemic immune suppression
9. Smart immune cells kill more cancer
10. New network of gastrointestinal immune cells discovered
11. Old T cells cripple immune function in the elderly