Allergy Enhances Neurogenesis and Modulates Microglial Activation in the Hippocampus

This study investigates the effects of allergic lung inflammation on the hippocampus, a region of the brain known for its ability to generate new cells, and on microglia, the immune cells of the brain. Mice were exposed to an allergen derived from timothy grass pollen to mimic allergic reactions. Researchers then observed the microglia and the creation of new neurons in the hippocampus. The study found that allergy led to fewer microglia and more new neurons in the hippocampus, suggesting that allergic reactions can influence brain cell populations and the creation of new neurons.

• 1
  Allergic sensitization led to a reduction in the number of Iba1+ microglia in the granular layer (GL) and subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus.
• 2
  The number of DCX+ cells, which are young immature neurons, was increased in the allergy animals, indicating an elevated level of neurogenesis.
• 3
  The study found more BrdU+ cells present in the hippocampus of allergic mice, and these newly born cells had differentiated into neurons, as indicated by a higher number of BrdU+NeuN+ cells.