Astrocytes and OCD: A Key Connection?

UCLA researchers have discovered a cellular mechanism involving astrocytes and neurons that appears to be involved in repetitive behaviors and OCD. The study found a protein associated with OCD and repetitive behaviors in neurons was also found in astrocytes, suggesting therapeutic strategies targeting both cells may be useful for OCD and potentially other brain disorders. The discovery came as a surprise to researchers who originally sought to study how neurons interact with astrocytes.