Neuroimmunology of the female brain across the lifespan: Plasticity to psychopathology

• Published in: Brain, behavior, and immunity Vol. 79; pp. 39 - 55
• Main Authors: Barrientos, R.M., Brunton, P.J., Lenz, K.M., Pyter, L., Spencer, S.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.07.2019
• Subjects: Age Factors; Brain - immunology; Brain - metabolism; Female; Humans; Longevity; Neuroimmunomodulation - physiology; Neuronal Plasticity - immunology; Neuronal Plasticity - physiology; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Psychoneuroimmunology; Psychopathology; Resilience, Psychological
• ISSN: 0889-1591; 1090-2139
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.03.010

•Female brains are highly dynamic, remodelling throughout the normal ovarian cycle.•They also demonstrate unique changes across various life stages.•Females uniquely respond to early life challenges, pregnancy, disease and old-age.•The female brain is under-researched but the field is, encouragingly, growing. The female brain is highly dynamic and can fundamentally remodel throughout the normal ovarian cycle as well as in critical life stages including perinatal development, pregnancy and old-age. As such, females are particularly vulnerable to infections, psychological disorders, certain cancers, and cognitive impairments. We will present the latest evidence on the female brain; how it develops through the neonatal period; how it changes through the ovarian cycle in normal individuals; how it adapts to pregnancy and postpartum; how it responds to illness and disease, particularly cancer; and, finally, how it is shaped by old age. Throughout, we will highlight female vulnerability to and resilience against disease and dysfunction in the face of environmental challenges.