0
0This research article examines how a specific neural pathway in the hypothalamus can be manipulated to protect the brain from ischemic stroke damage. By utilizing chemogenetic and optogenetic techniques in mice, the researchers identified that inhibiting certain GABAergic neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) or activating projections from the ventrolateral preoptic area (vlPOA) induces a state of therapeutic hypothermia. This internally regulated cooling significantly reduced infarct volume, decreased brain swelling, and improved overall neurological recovery by limiting reperfusion injury. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that this pathway helps preserve the healthy function of astrocytes, preventing them from shifting into a neurotoxic state. The authors suggest that targeting these specific thermoregulatory circuits could provide the neuroprotective benefits of cooling without the dangerous side effects associated with traditional external cooling methods.
References:
Dilsiz P, Ozpinar A, Balaban B, et al. GABAergic ventrolateral preoptic projection to dorsomedial hypothalamus recapitulates post-ischemic neuroprotection by hypothermia[J]. Cell Death & Disease, 2026, 17(1): 304.
