In mice, OCN has also been shown to regulate memory, alertness and anxiety behaviors. OCN permeates the BBB and has a dedicated receptor Gpr158 in the CNS (Khrimian, 2017). Replenishment of OCN in the plasma restores the phenotype in OCN-/- mice. COVID-19 infection is associated with altered consciousness in 7.5% of cases in a 214 patient series (Mao, 2020). Routinely in our own experience, the Neurology Consult Service at NYP is routinely paged about COVID-19 patients with altered mental status without other appreciable triggers. We propose that uOCN dysregulation may also influence cognitive status. Specific Aim: To understand the association between OCN levels and altered consciousness in COVID-19 infection.
