A study conducted at Florida Atlantic University mapped this receptor in the mouse brain and identified which neurons use it.
IL-1 is important for both healthy and unhealthy brain function. In the absence of inflammation, it helps in processes such as sleep and memory. However, when inflammation is present, high levels of IL-1 can lead to problems such as depression and memory loss. This study shows that neurons with IL-1R1 do not cause typical inflammation but may play a specific role in how the brain processes immune signals and manages emotional and cognitive behavior.
Researchers found that IL-1R1 is particularly active in the somatosensory cortex and areas related to mood and sensory perception. This discovery could lead to new ways of treating conditions like stress.
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