We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics block blood flow in the brain, mouse study reveals
Summary
A mouse study using real-time imaging found that cells stuffed with microplastics can form clumps that block blood flow in the brain, affecting the animals' ability to move. This research raises concerns about potential neurological effects of microplastic accumulation in the bodies of mammals.
Real-time imaging shows how plastic-stuffed cells form clumps that affect mouse movement.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities
Researchers discovered that microplastics in the bloodstream can cause blood clots in the brain by getting swallowed by immune cells that then block tiny blood vessels. These blockages reduced blood flow and caused neurological problems in mice. This reveals a new way microplastics may harm the brain, not by crossing into brain tissue directly, but by disrupting blood circulation.
MRI-based microplastic tracking in vivo and targeted toxicity analysis
Researchers developed a new MRI-based method to track microplastics inside living mice over 21 days. They found that the liver was the primary organ where polystyrene microplastics accumulated, and this accumulation led to liver cell death, inflammation, and changes in enzyme levels. This tracking technique could help scientists better understand how microplastics move through and affect biological systems.
White matter hyperintensities and microplastics
Researchers aligned ante-mortem and post-mortem brain MRI scans and found large amounts of plastic particles in brain regions showing white matter hyperintensities, which are associated with small vessel disease. Using a novel optical imaging approach, they identified the cellular locations of these plastics in areas with vascular injury and amyloid plaques. The study raises important questions about whether microplastics in the brain contribute to or result from pre-existing vascular damage in people with cognitive impairment.
Crossing barriers – tracking micro- and nanoplastic pathways into the human brain
Researchers tracked potential pathways by which micro- and nanoplastics may enter the human brain, examining both in vitro cell models and post-mortem brain tissue. They found that human monocytes rapidly internalized polystyrene particles into endocytic vesicles and mitochondria, and detected plastic particles in brain tissue samples, providing evidence that nanoplastics may be capable of crossing brain barriers.
Tissue accumulation of microplastics in mice and biomarker responses suggest widespread health risks of exposure
Researchers fed mice polystyrene microplastics of two sizes and tracked where the particles accumulated in the body, finding them in the liver, kidneys, and gut with distribution patterns depending on particle size. Biochemical analysis revealed that microplastic exposure disrupted energy and fat metabolism, caused oxidative stress, and altered markers of neurotoxicity in the blood. The study provides evidence that microplastics can accumulate in mammalian tissues and may pose widespread health risks.