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

Ruth M. Barrientos, Paula Brunton, Katy M. Lenz, Leah Pyter, Sarah J. Spencer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

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.
Original languageEnglish
JournalBrain, Behavior, and Immunity
Early online date11 Mar 2019
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 11 Mar 2019

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