Buzz
The complexities of the brain remain one of biology's biggest puzzles. Scientists still have a long way to go in fully grasping the workings of this intricate organ, from understanding how memories are stored to why we sleep and dream.
However, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School have uncovered tiny channels connecting the skull and brain in both humans and mice, as reported by Science Alert. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, shows how immune cells take a 'shortcut' through these tunnels to reach the brain during a stroke, meningitis, injury, or other brain-related disorders. These cells, which help fight inflammation, were once thought to travel through the bloodstream.
Before this discovery, scientists were unsure whether these immune cells—neutrophils, a type of white blood cell responsible for protecting the body against infections like meningitis—originated from the skull or the tibia (the shin bone). By injecting membrane dyes into the cells of mice, researchers were able to track their movements and pinpoint their path.
It was found that more neutrophils originated from the skull rather than the tibia. Upon closer examination, researchers discovered these cells were traveling through tiny channels that connect the skull's bone marrow to the outer brain lining. Next, the team studied human skull pieces to check if the same structure exists in humans. Sure enough, the channels were visible—and they were five times larger than those in mouse skulls.
Scientists say further studies are necessary, but they believe these findings could enhance our understanding of how various diseases impact the brain. The next step will be to explore how these tunnels respond to conditions like stroke, hypertension, Alzheimer's, and other disorders.
