Investigation of the Biologic Activity and Structure Function Relationships of Synthetic Polymers Which Act as Hormones, Behavior Modifiers and Thymic Immunomodulators.
Abstract
This project attempts to probe interrelationships between the central nervous, immune and endocrine systems. The key departure was the discovery that certain synthetic copolymers stimulate hyperplasia of cortical lymphocytes in the thymus and increased motor behavior. These copolymers, investigations suggested that these copolymers might mimic the activity of neuropeptides either by interacting with their receptors or by modifying cation fluxes across cell membranes. The experiments in this project have been designed to characterize the effects of polyphores more completely and to look for changes which might be attributed to the action of neurotransmitter analogues. Retrospective analysis of the first year's data demonstrated stimulatory effects of the polyphore copolymer on the thymus and on motor activity primarily in animals which had undergone severe stress. The current working hypothesis is that the ionophore copolymers somehow modify the reaction to stressful stimuli. This modification includes an increase in motor activity, a reduction in involution of the thymus and a stimulation of proliferation of cells in the cortex of thymus. During the coming year, animals will be treated with stessful conditions in a controlled fashion in an effort to test the hypothesis that the copolymer modifies the stress reaction. Several stressful stimuli, including food and water deprivation, immobilization and rewarding brain stimuli, will be evaluated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA183105
Entities
People
- Darryl B. Neill
- Irene J. Check
- Robert L. Hunter
Organizations
- Emory University