Microglia's Role in Anxiety and OCD Control

University of Utah Health scientists have discovered that microglia, a minor cell type in the brain, play a crucial role in controlling anxiety-related behaviors in laboratory mice. The researchers found that specific microglia populations activate anxiety and OCD behaviors while others dampen them, and that microglia communicate with neurons to invoke the behaviors. The findings could lead to new approaches for targeted therapies for anxiety-related conditions, including OCD.