A new study has examined brains affected by PTSD at the single-cell level, uncovering distinct genetic alterations that may drive the disorder. Researchers focused on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region tied to emotional regulation, analyzing individual cell nuclei to map communication differences across PTSD, major depression, and control brains.
They found impaired signaling in inhibitory neurons in PTSD, potentially explaining hyperarousal symptoms, and opposing patterns of microglial activity in PTSD versus depression. Vascular endothelial cells in PTSD brains also showed signs of dysfunction, possibly increasing stress hormone exposure.
Key Facts:
1) Inhibitory Neuron Disruption: PTSD brains showed decreased communication from inhibitory neurons, possibly causing hyperexcitable, overreactive brain states.
2) Microglia and Endothelial Differences: Microglia were overactive in depression but underactive in PTSD; endothelial cells in PTSD brains were also genetically altered, affecting stress hormone access.
3) New Therapeutic Pathways: The study identified gene pathways that could be targeted with precision drugs developed specifically for PTSD.
Source: Yale - https://neurosciencenews.com/ptsd-brain-cell-29313/
The human brain is made up of billions of interconnected cells that are constantly talking to each other.
