GPA protects the nigrostriatal dopamine system by enhancing mitochondrial function

Ghrelin promotes and protects nigrostriatal dopamine function via a UCP2-dependent mitochondrial mechanism.

Ghrelin targets the hypothalamus to regulate food intake and adiposity. Endogenous ghrelin receptors [growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR)] are also present in extrahypothalamic sites where they promote circuit activity associated with learning and memory, and reward seeking behavior. Here, we show that the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), a brain region where dopamine (DA) cell de...

Nigrostriatal Dopamine Function and Insulin Resistance by Jill

Clinical studies have indicated a link between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Type 2 Diabetes. Although preclinical studies have examined the effect of high-fat feeding on dopamine function in brain reward pathways, the effect of diet on neurotransmission in the nigrostriatal pathway, which is affected in PD and parkinsonism, is less clear. We hypothesized that a high-fat diet, which models early...

Controls for lesions of the nigrostriatal dopamine system.

Uncoupling protein-2 promotes nigrostriatal dopamine neuronal function.

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is known to promote neuroprotection in many forms of neurological pathologies including Parkinson's disease. Here, we examined the hypothesis that UCP2 also mediates aspects of normal nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) function. Mice lacking UCP2 exhibited reduced dopamine turnover in the striatum as measured by the 3,4-dihydoxyphenylacetic acid/dopamine (DOPAC/DA) ratio, r...

Reconstruction of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway by intracerebral nigral transplants.

Surgical or neurotox~c lesions of the mgrostriatal dopamme (DA) pathway produce a denervation of the striatum that leads to severe and long-lasting motor disturbances ~,3,'~,6.~1,12 and, if the lesion is bilateral and complete, fatal deficits in consummatory behavlourl,lt, 13. With substantial lesions of the nigrostriatal DA pathway the denervation will persist and functional recovery is very h...