Influence of Chronic Variable Stress in Neurotoxin and Genetic Models of Parkinson's Disease

The contribution of stress or stress-induced depression to the neuropathology of Parkinson ’s disease (PD) and exacerbation of parkinsonian symptoms is receiving more attention of late. We have recently demonstrated that exposure to a chronic variable stress (CVS) regimen markedly increased degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons and worsened behavioral dysfunction in the 6-OHDA rat model of PD. Regarding potential mechanisms, worsening of behavioral outcome and neurodegeneration was not induced by glucocorticoids alone, suggesting the involvement of other stress-induced processes.

Source: Neuropeptides - October 1, 2017 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Kim Seroogy, Tara Kyser, Kerstin Lundgren, Ann Hemmerle Source Type: research