The Impact of Exercise on the Vulnerability of Dopamine Neurons to Cell Death in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease results in part from the loss of dopamine neurons. We hypothesize that exercise reduces the vulnerability of dopamine neurons to neurotoxin exposure, whereas stress increases vulnerability. We have outlined experiments to test this hypothesis in rats treated with one of several neurotoxins, beginning with 6-hydroxydopamine. Over the past year, we increased the size and training of our research team and made a number of observations of direct relevance to our hypothesis. We also have received permission to expand our original Statement of Work to include critical studies on the mechanism of the actions of exercise, using both in vivo and in vitro approaches. Our focus continues to be on the effects of stress and exercise on the vulnerability of DA neurons, and the role played in these phenomena by trophic factors and intracellular signaling cascades.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA458249

Entities

People

  • Amanda Smith
  • Anthony Liou
  • Michael J. Zigmond

Organizations

  • University of Pittsburgh

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Brain
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Culture Techniques
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Dopamine
  • Gene Expression
  • Inhibitors
  • Molecules
  • Neurodegeneration
  • Observation
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Parkinson'S Disease
  • Toxins
  • Vulnerability

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Parkinson's Disease and Rickettsial Disease handbook, including the data level of dopamine, BC, neurons, and PD.
  • Strategic Security Studies