Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities
Huang H, Hou J, Li M, Wei F, Liao Y, Xi B (2025). Science Advances.
What they found
Live brain imaging in mice showed that 5 µm fluorescent polystyrene microspheres, given by gavage or injected into the blood, were engulfed by immune cells that then lodged in brain capillaries, forming blockages that reduced blood flow and were linked to movement and behaviour changes.
- Sample
- Male C57BL/6J mice (small groups imaged)
- What it can't tell you
- Mouse study using pristine, uniform polystyrene spheres at high doses, unlike the mixed, weathered particles people encounter. Some experiments injected particles straight into the blood. Small numbers of animals per imaging group. Does not show this happens in humans.
- Funding
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public-interest Scientific Institution (China) and National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Topics
- Health effects
- Checked against
- Abstract (Europe PMC, PMID 39841831) and full text (PMC11753373): methods (5 µm polystyrene, gavage at 2 mg/ml, IV injection) and funding