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Similar brain chemicals influence aggression in fruit flies and humans
April 23, 2007Serotonin is a major signaling chemical in the brain, and it has long been thought to be involved in aggressive behavior in a wide variety of animals as well as in humans. Another brain chemical signal, neuropeptide Y (known as neuropeptide F in invertebrates), is also known to affect an array of behaviors in many species, including territoriality in mice. A new study by Drs. Herman Dierick and Ralph Greenspan of The Neurosciences Institute in San Diego shows that these two chemicals also regulate aggression in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster.
In a series of studies that used drug treatments and genetic engineering we have produced flies that make increased or decreased amounts of serotonin, or whose nerve cells that use serotonin or neuropeptide F are silent or inactive. Our investigations showed that the more serotonin a fly makes, the more aggressive it will be towards other flies. Conversely, presence of neuropeptide F has an opposite modulatory effect on the flies' behavior, reducing aggression. Serotonin and neuropeptide F are part of separate circuits in the brain, circuits which also differ to some extent between males and females. Male flies are much more aggressive.
Both of these chemical modulators affect aggression in mammals, and finding these effects in flies suggests that the molecular and neural roots for this complex social behavior are of ancient evolutionary origin.
Drs. Dierick and Greenspan are Fellows at The Neurosciences Institute, an independent, nonprofit, privately supported, scientific research organization dedicated to studying the workings of the brain at the most fundamental level. Under the leadership of Nobel Laureate, Gerald M. Edelman, M.D., Ph.D., the Institute is dedicated to a research environment that encourages creativity and innovation in a collaborative atmosphere with true freedom of scientific inquiry, in the expectation that such an environment provides the best chance for making vital advances for the benefit of mankind.
The Neurosciences Institute
Drs. Dierick and Greenspan are Fellows at The Neurosciences Institute, an independent, nonprofit, privately supported, scientific research organization dedicated to studying the workings of the brain at the most fundamental level. Under the leadership of Nobel Laureate, Gerald M. Edelman, M.D., Ph.D., the Institute is dedicated to a research environment that encourages creativity and innovation in a collaborative atmosphere with true freedom of scientific inquiry, in the expectation that such an environment provides the best chance for making vital advances for the benefit of mankind.
The Neurosciences Institute
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In research that sheds light on the perils of yo-yo dieting and repeated bouts of sugar-bingeing, researchers from The Scripps Research Institute have shown in animal models that cycling between periods of eating sweet and regular-tasting food can activate the brain's stress system and generate overeating, anxiety, and withdrawal-like symptoms.
Scientists find a common link of bird flocks, breast milk and trust
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Genetic variation may lead to early cardiovascular disease
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Schizophrenia linked to dysfunction in molecular brain pathway activated by marijuana
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Your belly fat could be making you hungrier
The extra fat we carry around our middle could be making us hungrier, so we eat more, which in turn leads to even more belly fat.
Brain DNA 'remodeled' in alcoholism
Reshaping of the DNA scaffolding that supports and controls the expression of genes in the brain may play a major role in the alcohol withdrawal symptoms, particularly anxiety, that make it so difficult for alcoholics to stop using alcohol.
Fish get insomnia, eyes wide open, say Stanford sleep researchers
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Scientists identify protein that may promote migraines
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Joslin-led study uncovers role of appetite hormone MCH in insulin production
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Where the mind meets the body: Type A, the relaxation response, psychoneuroimmunology, biofeedback, neuropeptides, hypnosis, imagery, and the search for the mind's effect on physical health by Harris Dienstfrey (Author) | |
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Perricone MD Neuropeptide Eye Contour, .5 ounce by Perricone MD Perricone MD by Perricone MD Neuropeptide Eye Contour --/0.5OZ |
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Perricone MD Neuropeptide Firming Moisturizer 2 oz (59 ml) by N.V. Perricone LLC The science to address concerns of sagging skin, loss of elasticity, deep lines, wrinkles and fatigued skin Delivers nutrients, antioxidants and emollients to the skin Helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles Helps to lift, tone and hydrate This superior hydrating cream delivers advanced proprietary Neuropeptide technology to help firm sagging skin while correcting the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Developed for skin that is dehydrated and has lost elasticity. DMAE - provides ultimate firming benefits to young or sagging skin; improves muscle tone and enhances contour; addresses loss of elasticity; diminishes the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Patented Neuropeptides - activates surface renewal of the dermis; combats sagging or crepey appearance of aging skin;... |
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Perricone MD Neuropeptide Facial Contour, 2-Ounces by Perricone MD Perricone MD by Perricone MD Facial Contour--/2OZ |
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Perricone MD Neuropeptide Facial Contour 2 oz (59 ml) by N.V. Perricone LLC The science to address specific skin concerns Face & Mind Creates the appearance of a chiseled jaw-line Helps instantly tighten skin Fights crepey look on neck Known as the "red carpet ready cream", this cream helps to instantly tighten and tone skin with the ultimate firming benefits of DMAE. It creates a chiseled contoured appearance to the cheekbones, jaw line, throat and decollete areas. It also helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making skin appear more youthful looking. 82% reported an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles 70% reported firmer skin Neuropeptides - activates surface renewal of the dermis; combats sagging or crepey appearance of aging skin; improves the appearance of line sand wrinkles; delivers more toned supple and... |
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