Research Research Research…
Pariza F -
As we have been analyzing and gathering the data from our images, we are now looking for the answers in our results. Our images were analyzed by two people (Sam and I) and our pixel software, which I discussed in my last post. Rest assured, we can say the data is pretty accurate since it was the same across all three people if we count AI as a person, too.
Looking at the results, I have noticed a couple of things that have led me to further research the CD68 stain and why we do it. The CD68 stain is actually a staining done to mark all of the macrophages in the circulatory system. We do this stain along with the IBA-1 stain that marks microglia to see the morphology of the microglia and the state of activation they are in. Microglia have two stages: M2, where they maintain homeostasis, and M1, where they become activated and defensive towards anything unusual that is posing a threat. The CD68 stain confirms the functionally activated state of the microglia.
Another thing was the importance of getting data six months post-injury, as there has been a huge difference between males and females. Because males have more neuropathologies, the inflammation in their brains can decrease over time. Whereas, females have pathologies that cause their inflammation to stay elevated due to the different pathologies in their brains. For this reason, many women who experience a traumatic brain injury are more likely to have PTSD and depression.
For our research, the rats were around 6-7 months old, which is equivalent to a young adolescent human around 15-24 years old.
All of this new information has made me look at the hormone difference between males and females and the different brain circuits involved in TBIs. So, stay tuned for that next week!