Chronic pain, drug abuse, and depression are complex diseases whose treatment and management are notoriously difficult. But there is one factor that is often ignored in the design and interpretation of studies on these diseases that adds an extra layer
of complexity: sex. Sex differences have implications for brain wiring and the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Guest Editors Dr. Stella Tsirka and Dr. Luisa Torres have gathered seven articles for the October JPET special issue that showcase original research and reviews pertaining to sex differences in the cells that control immune responses in the brain. Understanding the biological manifestations of such differences and their impact on the central nervous system might
shape treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders in the future.
The cluster of articles is freely accessible through the end of 2020.