Annual Bindra lecture is held in honor of Dalbir Bindra's (1922-1980) scientific and academic contributions.
Lecture from 3:30 - 5:00 pm, followed by a Wine and Cheese Reception. Admission is free.
March 10, 2023 - Location: McIntyre Medical 522
Margaret McCarthy, PhD
School of Medicine
University of Maryland
Title: Immune Origins of Sex Differences in the Brain
Abstract: Margaret McCarthy has utilized the laboratory rat to reveal an unexpected mediator of neuronal development, the innate immune system. Immune cells resident within the brain, as well as those that traffic in and out, modulate fundamental processes such as synapse formation, cell birth and cell death. A complex interplay between gonadal steroids of the endocrine system and signaling molecules of the immune system generate localized and enduring neuroanatomical sex differences that mediate social behaviors. Innate immune cells sculpt the neural circuitry of playfulness and mediate neuroanatomical and behavioral sex differences. Studies in rodents allow us to connect the dots between the immune and nervous systems and further understanding of brain development in both sexes.