The immune system and the brain
The immune system does more than protect us from illness; it evidently contributes to the brain’s ability to generate new neurons in the hippocampus. Some new research with rats shows a relationship between the presence of T cells (part of the autoimmune system) and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is crucial to forming memories; the discovery that new neurons are created there challenged the belief that adult brains do not grow new cells. As adults age, their immune systems weaken; in light of this recent research, this might be related to the memory loss and cognitive impairment that often accompanies old age. Perhaps treatments that boost the immune system could also help maintain brain function.
http://www.rxpgnews.com/research/immunology/article_3219.shtml
