Summary:
In Parkinson's disease (PD), dopamine-producing nerves cells that control movements waste away. Current treatments for PD therefore aim to restore dopamine contents in the brain. In a new study from Lund University researchers focused on the early activation of a protein that improves the brain's capacity to cope with a host of harmful processes. Stimulating the protein, called Sigma-1 receptor, sets off a set of defense mechanisms and restores lost motor function. By activating the Sigma-1 receptor, a versatile protein involved in many cellular functions that help nerve cells build connections increased, inflammation decreased, and dopamine levels rose. Improvement of motor symptom has been shown in mice with a Parkinson-like condition who had been treated with a Sigma-1 stimulating drug. The treatment has been shown to be most effective when started at the beginning of the most aggressive phase of dopamine cell death. This treatment however has not been studied in connection with PD. There are many reports that show positive results when Sigma-1 stimulating drugs were used to treat stroke and motor neuron diseases. According to Professor M. Nilsson of Lund University the fact that these substances stimulating the protein is a huge advantage since it means that the body tolerates this treatment. Nilsson also says that clinical trials of PD should start soon.
Connection:
This article connects with our study of the nervous system. The nervous system controls and coordinates all body functions. The nervous systems is composed of nerves and neurons, that transmit signals between different parts of the body. This article focuses on Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's Disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. Parkinson's Disease involves the death of neurons. Some of these neurons produce dopamine a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As this disease progresses dopamine levels in the brain decrease which lead to a person unable to control movements. This disease disrupts homeostasis in the nervous system. New treatment will be able to decrease the affects that this disease has on homeostasis.
Author: Lund University
Date: May 16, 2014
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140516092046.htm
In Parkinson's disease (PD), dopamine-producing nerves cells that control movements waste away. Current treatments for PD therefore aim to restore dopamine contents in the brain. In a new study from Lund University researchers focused on the early activation of a protein that improves the brain's capacity to cope with a host of harmful processes. Stimulating the protein, called Sigma-1 receptor, sets off a set of defense mechanisms and restores lost motor function. By activating the Sigma-1 receptor, a versatile protein involved in many cellular functions that help nerve cells build connections increased, inflammation decreased, and dopamine levels rose. Improvement of motor symptom has been shown in mice with a Parkinson-like condition who had been treated with a Sigma-1 stimulating drug. The treatment has been shown to be most effective when started at the beginning of the most aggressive phase of dopamine cell death. This treatment however has not been studied in connection with PD. There are many reports that show positive results when Sigma-1 stimulating drugs were used to treat stroke and motor neuron diseases. According to Professor M. Nilsson of Lund University the fact that these substances stimulating the protein is a huge advantage since it means that the body tolerates this treatment. Nilsson also says that clinical trials of PD should start soon.
Connection:
This article connects with our study of the nervous system. The nervous system controls and coordinates all body functions. The nervous systems is composed of nerves and neurons, that transmit signals between different parts of the body. This article focuses on Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's Disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. Parkinson's Disease involves the death of neurons. Some of these neurons produce dopamine a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As this disease progresses dopamine levels in the brain decrease which lead to a person unable to control movements. This disease disrupts homeostasis in the nervous system. New treatment will be able to decrease the affects that this disease has on homeostasis.
Author: Lund University
Date: May 16, 2014
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140516092046.htm
According to your post, by "stimulating the protein, called Sigma-1 receptor" it will set "set of defense mechanisms" which would result in the restoration of the "lost motor function." How will invoking defense mechanism allow the brain to restore motor functions?
ReplyDeleteWould this drug be taken in the form of a pill or is it injected into the bloodstream, and why would that way be the most effective?
ReplyDeleteI've researched and have not been able to find any definite responses to the question. I would assume that the drug would be injected because it would directly enter the bloodstream and lead to faster responses. This method would be more efficient.
ReplyDelete