Scientists in the University at Buffalo in New York (USA) have discovered the positive value of social interaction to healthy brains and nervous systems. Research published in Nature Neuroscience (15, 1621–1623, 2012) shows how social isolation actually disrupts myelin production.
Researchers were investigating how mitochondria (the ‘power plants’ of cells) affect cell production and neuroplasticity. Test mice were subjected to social isolation (eight weeks) to induce a ‘depressive state’; cells (oligodendrocytes) involved in the production of myelin were negatively affected and significantly reduced by this isolation. This reduction in myelin occurred in an area of the brain believed to be substantially responsible for “complex emotional and cognitive behaviour”. "This research provides the first explanation of the mechanism behind how this brain plasticity occurs," said Dr. Karen Dietz, "showing how this change in the level of social interaction of the adult animal resulted in changes in oligodendrocytes."
Myelin and MS
Myelin is a substance that forms a protective layer around the axons of a neuron and is vital for normal nerve function. Myelinated areas are sometimes referred to as ‘white matter’ due to the colour of myelin. This layer prevents ‘leakage’ of the signals passing along the axon (nerve fibres along which messages are sent). For people with Multiple Sclerosis, the auto-immune system mistakes the body’s own myelin as an invader and targets the myelin sheath in all areas of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The myelin surrounding the axons becomes scared, causing interruption in the signals, leading to such symptoms as the ‘pins and needles’ sensation, sensory loss and disability of function.
Neuroplasticity and Changing Myelin
When does your brain stop developing? Much of what is known about brain function is based on the idea that our brains cannot be changed. However, these ideas are being transformed thanks to neurological research. It is now known the animal brain is adaptable, changing with different experiences and adapting to environmental changes. It is possible for the brain to build new pathways and for certain neurological challenges to be overcome.
The ability for brain cells to change and transform is known as neuroplasticity. ‘Neuro’ is for ‘neuron’, the nerve cells in the brain and central nervous system that transmit information to other cells. ‘Plastic’ is for “malleable”, “pliable” and “changeable”. Neuroplasticity refers to the ability for brain cells to change, form new pathways and functions depending on a person’s learning and experiences. When given different forms of stimulation and learning, the brain has the ability to overcome damage that was previously believed to be unalterable. Now, researchers have discovered another aspect to neuroplasticity but this time they have found that myelin levels can also be affected by social isolation and environment.
Recovery from MS Episodes
When the test subjects were introduced to a new mouse, they did not respond in the typical curious and social manner, remaining withdrawn. However, with more social integration, the level of myelin improved, changing the subjects from withdrawn to more typical, socially adept behaviour.
Highlighting the potential for further research, Dr. Karen Dietz, went on to say “….that maybe recovery from an MS episode might be enhanced by social interaction. This opens another avenue of investigation of how mood and myelin disorders may interact with one another."
People in the MS community await further good news about how lives can benefit from these developments.
For further information/reading: University at Buffalo
