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Obesity can break down protective blood brain barrier; trigger memory loss: Study
New Delhi, Apr 23 (ANI): The details were published in the Journal of Neuroscience. The blood-brain barrier is comprised of high-density cells which restrict the passage of substances in the body from the bloodstream. Chronic activation of brain receptor Adora2a that line this important barrier in our brain can let factors from the blood enter the brain and affect the function of our neurons. Researchers have found that when they block Adora2a in a model of diet-induced obesity, an important barrier function is maintained. "We know that obesity and insulin resistance break down the blood brain barrier in humans and animal models, but exactly how has remained a mystery," says Dr. Alexis M. Stranahan, neuroscientist. In the brain, adenosine is a neurotransmitter that helps us sleep and helps regulate our blood pressure; in the body, it's also a component of the cell fuel. Adenosine (the chemical found in living being) also activates receptors Adora1a and Adora2a (brain receptors), which