Why fever causes symptom remission

[rowingmom]

Although in this article they mention improved socialization, even DD herself noticed a decrease in ticcing and other PANS symptoms during a fever.

 

http://www.ageofautism.com/2016/07/immune-system-autism.html#more

 

The researchers found that without interferon gamma, signals in a brain region called the prefrontal cortex run rampant, and mice tend to be asocial. The prefrontal cortex is involved in social behavior, and is thought to be overactive in some people with autism. “We show that an immune molecule directly controls brain circuits through neurons,” Kipnis says.

...This suggests that interferon gamma normally dampens brain signals in this region — and that it affects social behavior. Replenishing the spinal fluid of the mice with interferon gamma is enough to restore social behavior in the mice...The findings may explain the observation that some children with autism seem to become more sociable when they have a fever, Kipnis says. Elevated levels of molecules such as interferon gamma accompany fevers.

 

In that same article, I posted two studies that seemed related to each other, and to my daughter. The first one showed "EtHg [THIMEROSAL] decreases IFN-gamma release". Further reading showed that IFN-gamma has antiviral activity and also important immunoregulatory functions. It is a potent activator of macrophages, has antiproliferative effects on transformed cells and it can potentiate the antiviral and antitumor effects of the type I interferons." Another study I have since discovered from the same year Megan was born, 1993, details this same phenomenon: "mercury interferes with T cell IFN-gamma production by affecting the intracellular availability of GSH."

 

A comment below the article written by "Tim" is interesting:

 

There are a number of herbs that increase IFN-gamma, such as guduci (which curiously enough was highly recommended by a commenter here to heal ADD).

Stephen Buhner recommends using adaptogens instead of just trying to increase INF-gamma, because chronically high IFN-gamma causes its own problems. So his suggestion (in his book Healing Lyme) is to use Withania Somnifera (Ashwaghanda), Rhodiola, Licorice, Scutellaria Baicalensis (Chinese skullcap), and Astragalus. These all raise low levels and lower high levels. Give Ashwaghanda at night; Licorice in the morning; the others 3 or 4 times per day. Licorice should only be used short-term, the others can be used indefinitely.

We use astragalus 500 mg 3x weekly.

 

 

 

[Sirena]

Idk, but I suspect that the immune system is likely targeting a real infection instead of incorrectly fighting self. I have lupus and once got a nasty virus and fever and interestingly it burnt out the flare I had prior to o the illness...at least that one time.