Allergic rhinitis induces anxiety-like behavior and altered social interaction

[Guest guest]

This is an interesting one. Its about the inhalation route of exposure of an

allergen having an impact on the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Possibly

yet one more contributing factor to understanding the neurocognitive

difficulties, those who have been exposed to excessive mold complain of. This

could

also possibly help to explain why anti-fungal nasal sprays are reported to help

to clear up " brain fog " .

" These results show that sensitization and challenge with allergens induce

anxiety across rodent species and that these effects were paralleled by an

increased expression of T(H)2 cytokines and CRF in the prefrontal cortex. These

studies provide experimental evidence that sensitized rodents experience

neuroimmune-mediated anxiety and reduced social interaction associated with

allergic rhinitis. "

Brain Behav Immun. 2009 Mar 4. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Allergic rhinitis induces anxiety-like behavior and altered social

interaction in rodents.

Tonelli LH, Katz M, Kovacsics CE, Gould TD, Joppy B, Hoshino A, Hoffman G,

Komarow H, Postolache TT.

Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Mood and Anxiety Program,

Department of Psychiatry, University of land School of Medicine, Baltimore,

land, 21201 USA.

Epidemiological and clinical studies report higher incidences of anxiety and

increased emotional reactivity in individuals suffering from respiratory

allergies. To evaluate if respiratory allergies are capable of promoting

anxiety-like behavior in rodents, we used models of allergic rhinitis and

behavioral

evaluations followed by assessment of mRNA for cytokines in relevant brain

regions. Mice and rats were sensitized to ovoalbumin or pollen respectively

following standard sensitization and challenge protocols. After challenge, the

animals were evaluated in the open field, elevated plus maze and resident

intruder tests. Cytokines and corticotrophin releasing factor expression were

assessed in several brain regions by real-time RT-PCR and plasma cortico

stereone concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Mice and rats sensitized and

exposed to

allergen showed increased anxiety-like behavior and reduced social

interaction without any overt behavioral signs of sickness. T-helper type 2

(T(H)2)

cytokines were induced in both rats and mice in the olfactory bulbs and

prefrontal cortex and remained unchanged in the temporal cortex and

hypothalamus.

The same results were found for CRF mRNA expression. No differences were

observed in corticosterone concentrations one hour after the last behavioral

test.

These results show that sensitization and challenge with allergens induce

anxiety across rodent species and that these effects were paralleled by an

increased expression of T(H)2 cytokines and CRF in the prefrontal cortex. These

studies provide experimental evidence that sensitized rodents experience

neuroimmune-mediated anxiety and reduced social interaction associated with

allergic rhinitis.

PMID: 19268702 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Sharon

**************Worried about job security? Check out the 5 safest jobs in a

recession.

(http://jobs.aol.com/gallery/growing-job-industries?ncid=emlcntuscare00000002)