How Immune System Cells in Female Rat Brains Shape Brain Regions and Influence Behavior

Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered that immune system cells in the brains of female rats consume and digest neurons during development, sculpting a specific brain region that could impact behavior. This process, unique to females, could impact preferences for certain odors, particularly in sexual partner preference in rodents. Understanding the role of biological sex and the immune system in brain development may help explain the prevalence of certain brain disorders in one sex over another, according to the research, which could inform future treatments or prevention strategies. The study has potentially uncovered a mechanism for understanding why some brain disorders are more prevalent in one sex than the other.