CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China

Abstract 

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is one of the first cytokines ever described. It has long been recognized to play an important role in mediating inflammation and orchestrating the physiological and behavioral adjustments that occur during sickness. Recently, accumulating evidence has indicated that IL-1β also adversely affects cognitive function. Nevertheless, there are also some reports showing no effects or even beneficial effects of IL-1β on learning and memory. The relationship between IL-1β and cognitive impairment has not been clearly elucidated. Here we reviewed the evidence of both negative and positive effects of IL-1β on learning and memory, and the key factors that may affect the effects of IL-1β on learning and memory were discussed.

Keywords

interleukin-1β; learning; memory; dose; age; memory type; memory stage

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