When you feel hungry, your body might change. A study in mice showed that just thinking you’re hungry can affect your immune system. This happens even if you haven’t skipped a meal. Your brain’s idea of hunger can influence how your immune system works.
The study, published in Science Immunology, suggests that your brain, not just changes in food levels, can shape your immunity. Special brain cells called AgRP neurons and POMC neurons control feelings of hunger and fullness. When hunger neurons were turned on in well-fed mice, they wanted to eat more.
Surprisingly, this artificial hunger also decreased certain immune cells in the blood. The brain communicates with the liver to control energy levels, affecting immune cells. Hunger signals cause a stress hormone release, amplifying immune changes. The brain might help prepare for food shortages by adjusting energy and immune responses early on.
This research could impact diseases like heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. It also sheds light on obesity and eating disorders, showing how the brain can influence the immune system.Â
Vocabulary List:
- Immunity /ɪˈmjuË.nɪ.ti/ (noun): The ability of an organism to resist disease or infection.
- Neurons /ˈnjʊə.rɒnz/ (noun): Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses; fundamental units of the brain and nervous system.
- Amplifying /ˈæmplɪfaɪɪŋ/ (verb): Increasing or making something stronger.
- Influence /ˈɪnfluəns/ (verb): To have an effect on the development or behavior of someone or something.
- Signals /ˈsɪgnəlz/ (noun): Things that are used to convey information or instructions.
- Disorders /dɪsˈɔËdÉ™rz/ (noun): Abnormal conditions affecting health often involving significant functional impairment.
How much do you know?
