Neuroscientists talk about the devastating effect of anxiety on the brain

Severe stress can change the way the brain works, disrupting blood flow and signal exchange between neurons. A key role in this process is played by rare nerve cells, the so—called nNOS type neurons, which are particularly vulnerable to stress. This was reported on November 11 in the journal Medical Xpress.

A team of researchers led by Patrick Drew, Professor of engineering and mechanics, found that removing these cells from laboratory mice leads to a decrease in cerebral blood flow and neuron activity. Although nNOS neurons make up less than 1% of all nerve cells, they coordinate the work of blood vessels, providing an influx of oxygen and nutrients.

According to Drew, the arteries and veins of the brain are constantly expanding and narrowing every few seconds — this process is called spontaneous pulsation. It helps promote blood flow by supplying the brain with energy. The researchers found that when nNOS neurons are removed, the amplitude of these oscillations decreases markedly, which means that the quality of nutrition of brain cells decreases.

Scientists have suggested that under chronic stress, such neurons die naturally. This leads to a weakening of the blood supply and can eventually increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

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"We have long known that blood flow in the brain worsens with age, but the effects of stress have been studied much less. If stress really kills these rare cells, then it may be one of the external causes of brain deterioration," Drew explained.

To test the hypothesis, the researchers used a unique technique: mice were injected with a combination of elements that specifically finds nNOS neurons and destroys them without touching the rest of the cells. After that, scientists used electrodes and microscopes to register the slightest changes in brain activity and animal behavior.

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It turned out that after removing these cells, the mice not only decreased blood flow, but also weakened the electrical activity of the brain. This effect was especially noticeable during sleep, indicating a possible role for nNOS neurons in maintaining brain function during the resting phase.

According to the researchers, although the brains of mice and humans are not identical, the types and functions of neurons are similar in many ways. Therefore, the results of the experiment may shed light on how stress affects people's brains. Drew noted that the team will continue to explore how the loss of these neurons may be combined with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's and dementia. Scientists hope that the new data will help find ways to prevent the devastating effects of stress on the brain.

On October 6, Scientific American magazine pointed to Monday's impact on stress for the brain and body. It was noted that this day of the week is the most exhausting. According to the study, people who complain of increased anxiety on Mondays have been experiencing high activity of the stress response system for several months.

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