Research shows that more protection cells are present in the brains of girls

Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine have announced the discovery of differences in the amygdala region of the brain that can help explain why boys are more susceptible to some mental health disorders.

Officials found a difference between the levels of endocannabinoid, a natural chemical in the brain that is involved in physiological processes including appetite, pain sensation, mood and memory in males and females.

Findings showed that females have 30 to 50 percent more glial cells, which provide the support and protection for the brain’s neurons, in the amygdala region of the brain than their male counterparts.

Researchers gave newborn female rats a cannabis-like compound to stimulate their natural endocannabinoid system and found that their glial cell production decreased and displayed higher levels of play activity into their teen years. However, they found that female rats played 30 to 40 percent less than males.

The study showed that a developing brain involving an increase of glial cells regulated by endocannabinoids in females could offer more protection to girls when dealing with negative stimuli.