Microglial synaptic pruning in the nucleus accumbens during adolescence sex-specifically influences splenic immune outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Strong social support promotes a variety of positive health outcomes in humans and rodent models, while social isolation in rodents shortens lifespan, perceived social isolation (i.e. loneliness) can increase mortality by up to 50% in humans. How social relationships lead to these drastic health effects is unclear, but may involve modulation of the peripheral immune system. The reward circuitry of the brain and social behaviors undergo a critical period of development during adolescence. We published that microglia-mediated synaptic pruning occurs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) reward region during adolescence to mediate social development in male and female rats. We hypothesized that if reward circuitry activity and social relationships directly impact the peripheral immune system, then n

SUBMITTER: Kirkland JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10187280 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature