Posted by SLS on January 20, 2013, at 6:16:08
In reply to Re: is this brain abcess or infection, posted by bleauberry on January 20, 2013, at 4:57:38
> Infection.
Although infections can mobilize the immune system to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that make their way into the brain to cause the brain to become inflammed, I believe there are other mechanisms whereby this can occur. When under excessive stress, brain cells can whither and die due to excitotoxicity. This will cause the production of cycokines within the brain without any infection being present. Also, a type of brain cell called microglia, while remaining healthy, secrete cycokines as well. I'm not sure what the trigger is for this to happen.
An emerging field of study is called neuropsychoimmunology. I am curious to know more about it.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1035810
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130112/msgs/1035844.html