Discovery made on how the brain prevents dehydration

Researchers from McGill University have made a discovery on how the brain detects and prevent dehydration. They identified a key protein in the brain responsible for body temperature as well as hydration. The findings can assist in clinical treatments of conditions that affect the imbalance of bodily fluids.

Study lead, Dr. Charles Bourque, said, “We have identified what we think is the first protein that could allow the brain to monitor physiological temperature and it is important because this protein contributes to how the brain detects heat and triggers adaptive responses such as thirst. This protein, which is an ion channel, that regulates the flow of ions across the cell membrane, is thought to play a crucial role in balancing body fluids (water, blood, etc.) and sodium (salts) levels, and changes in its regulation could be involved in linking salt to hypertension, and provoking fluid retention following cardiac failure, sepsis or brain trauma.”

Read more at http://www.belmarrahealth.com/discovery-made-on-how-the-brain-prevents-dehydration/