The chemical neuroscience, pharmacology, and broader neuroscience and biological communities can contribute significantly in the fight against COVID-19. “A growing area of concern with COVID-19 is its targeting of the Central Nervous System (possibly via olfactory nerves), and in particular, attacking areas of the brainstem that control breathing. COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory distress also […]

The chemical neuroscience, pharmacology, and broader neuroscience and biological communities can contribute significantly in the fight against COVID-19.

“A growing area of concern with COVID-19 is its targeting of the Central Nervous System (possibly via olfactory nerves), and in particular, attacking areas of the brainstem that control breathing. COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory distress also suffered strokes, impaired cognition, and brain hemorrhages. Moreover, there are concerns that COVID-19 may use the CNS as a reservoir, like HIV, and leak back into systemic circulation once viral titer is low. Beyond this, is the impending mental health pandemic as a result of COVID-19, with a surge of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, PTSD, and other mental illness as a result of stress, quarantines, and social isolation. ACS Chemical Neuroscience is at the forefront of efforts to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the CNS, and on the development of new therapeutics and novel mechanisms to treat serious brain disorders,” noted ACS Chemical Neuroscience Editor-in-Chief Craig Lindsley.

Gathered here are some of the most recent articles published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience that use chemical neuroscience and neuropharmacology to address this global challenge.

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Research

Proinflammatory Cytokines in the Olfactory Mucosa Result in COVID-19 Induced Anosmia
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 13, 1909–1913
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00249

Expression of the SARS-CoV-2 Entry Proteins, ACE2 and TMPRSS2, in Cells of the Olfactory Epithelium: Identification of Cell Types and Trends with Age
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 11, 1555–1562
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00210
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SARS-CoV-2, More than a Respiratory Virus: Its Potential Role in Neuropathogenesis
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 13, 1887–1899
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00251
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Taste and Smell Impairment in SARS-CoV-2 Recovers Early and Spontaneously: Experimental Data Strongly Linked to Clinical Data
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, XXXX, XXX, XXX-XXX
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00296
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Considerations around the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein with particular attention to COVID-19 brain infection and neurological symptoms
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, XXXX, XXX, XXX-XXX
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00373

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Computing the Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on Respiration Regulatory Mechanisms in COVID-19
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, XXXX, XXX, XXX-XXX
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00349

Commentary:

Heralding Healthcare Professionals: Recognition of Neurological Deficits in COVID-19
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 12, 1701–1703
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00286
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Updates on What ACS Reported: Emerging Evidences of COVID-19 with Nervous System Involvement
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 9, 1204–1205
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00181
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Autonomic Brain Centers and Pathophysiology of COVID-19
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 11, 1520–1522
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00265
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Happy Hypoxemia in COVID-19—A Neural Hypothesis
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 13, 1865–1867
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00318
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Proposed Intranasal Route for Drug Administration in the Management of Central Nervous System Manifestations of COVID-19
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 11, 1523–1524
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00288
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Targeting SARS-CoV-2: Novel Source of Antiviral Compound(s) against COVID-19?
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 13, 1863–1864
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00312
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Cytokine Storm in COVID19: A Neural Hypothesis
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 13, 1868–1870
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00346
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Pulmonary Edema in COVID19—A Neural Hypothesis
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, XXXX, XXX, XXX-XXX
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00370
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Neurological Insights of COVID-19 Pandemic
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 9, 1206–1209
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00201
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Evidence of the COVID-19 Virus Targeting the CNS: Tissue Distribution, Host–Virus Interaction, and Proposed Neurotropic Mechanisms
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 7, 995–998
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00122
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as a Vital Target for Brain Inflammation during the COVID-19 Outbreak
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 12, 1704–1705
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00294
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Is the Collapse of the Respiratory Center in the Brain Responsible for Respiratory Breakdown in COVID-19 Patients?
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 10, 1379–1381
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00217
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SARS-CoV-2: Olfaction, Brain Infection, and the Urgent Need for Clinical Samples Allowing Earlier Virus Detection
ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2020, 11, 9, 1200–1203
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00172

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