An inflammation can also affect the blood supply to the brain, but how exactly? It seems the answer is here.

The dynamic regulation of cerebral circulation is crucial for brain function, requiring both autoregulation and neurovascular coupling. Research led by Dénes Ádám's group reveals the distinct roles of microglia and border zone macrophages in regulating white blood cell recruitment and cerebral circulation during systemic inflammation. While microglia promote the influx of white blood cells to the brain, border zone macrophages restrict it. This study identifies IL-1α and IL-1R1 as key molecular mechanisms involved in these processes, potentially guiding future therapeutic interventions for brain diseases like stroke and multiple sclerosis. The findings also shed light on how systemic inflammation affects cerebral circulation in conditions such as diabetes and atherosclerosis.