article_snippet: Microglia are immune cells in the brain and spinal cord that are the first and main line of defense in the central nervous system,' Gu said. '
article_snippet: Unlike other mature brain cells that seldom regenerate other mature brain cells that seldom regenerate themselves, microglial cells respond to inflammation and environmental stresses by multiplying. '
article_snippet: By massing themselves and migrating toward an injury site, themselves are able to respond to inflammation and protect other brain cells from destruction.'
article_snippet: However, increasing the number of microglial cells won't provide age-defying protection for the brain, Gu said.
article_snippet: Although important to brain cell health, microglial cells also produce nitric oxide in reaction to microglial cells function as protectors,' Gu said. '
article_snippet: If we simply increased the number of microglial cells, we also would increase the amount of nitric oxide in the brain. '
article_snippet: By creating a cell model of neurological stress and monitoring microglial cell function, Gu's team was able to study FruArg's contribution to brain health. '
article_snippet: When stress was applied to the model, there was an expected increase in microglial cells and microglial cells
article_snippet: However, once we applied FruArg, the microglial cells adapted to the stress by reducing the amount of nitric oxide the microglial cells produced. '