 |
|
New research shows neuroprotective effect of lovastatin
April 10, 2008High cholesterol levels are considered to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease including stroke. Therefore, many cholesterol lowering drugs have been developed by pharmaceutical companies in recent years. One class of these drugs, statins, has been found to reduce the incidence of stroke and progression of Alzheimer's disease when prophylactically administered.
In a recent paper published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Amalia Dolga and co-workers from the University of Groningen show that the statin lovastatin, in addition to lowering cholesterol, can also prevent nerve cells from dying in conditions that occur in Alzheimer's disease. Amalia Dolga discovered a previously unknown cascade of cellular signals in nerve cells that are responsible for this neuroprotective mechanism. This is an important finding because in many diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, death of nerve cells is generally thought to be a major cause of the dramatic symptoms that we find in these diseases.
Amalia Dolga found that statins stimulate nerve cells to produce a specific receptor molecule for a protein which plays a central role in the body's immune response: Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-á). Previous studies conducted by Dr. Ulrich Eisel's group in the Department of Molecular Neurobiology (headed by Prof. Paul Luiten) have demonstrated that this specific TNF-á signaling pathway has a strong beneficial effect on nerve cells and can protect nerve cells against death. This finding now demonstrates that a widely given drug like a statin can activate this protective pathway.
IOS Press
IOS Press
Nerve Cells Current Events and Nerve Cells News RSSNew discovery about the formation of new brain cells
The generation of new nerve cells in the brain is regulated by a peptide known as C3a, which directly affects the stem cells' maturation into nerve cells and is also important for the migration of new nerve cells through the brain tissue, reveals new research from the Sahlgrenska Academy published in the journal Stem Cells.
Schizophrenia gene's role may be broader, more potent, than thought
UCSF scientists studying nerve cells in fruit flies have uncovered a new function for a gene whose human equivalent may play a critical role in schizophrenia.
Drug studied as possible treatment for spinal injuries
Researchers have shown how an experimental drug might restore the function of nerves damaged in spinal cord injuries by preventing short circuits caused when tiny "potassium channels" in the fibers are exposed.
New Down syndrome treatment suggested by Stanford/Packard study in mice
At birth, children with Down syndrome aren't developmentally delayed. But as they age, these kids fall behind. Memory deficits inherent in Down syndrome hinder learning, making it hard for the brain to collect experiences needed for normal cognitive development.
Bigger not necessarily better, when it comes to brains
Tiny insects could be as intelligent as much bigger animals, despite only having a brain the size of a pinhead, say scientists at Queen Mary, University of London.
Researchers find potential treatment for Huntington's disease
Investigators at Burnham Institute for Medical Research (Burnham), the University of British Columbia's Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics and the University of California, San Diego have found that normal synaptic activity in nerve cells (the electrical activity in the brain that allows nerve cells to communicate with one another) protects the brain from the misfolded proteins associated with Huntington's disease.
CSHL team solves structure of NMDA receptor unit that could be drug target for neurological diseases
A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) reports on Thursday their success in solving the molecular structure of a key portion of a cellular receptor implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other serious illnesses.
Scientists decipher the formation of lasting memories
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a mechanism that controls the brain's ability to create lasting memories. In experiments on genetically manipulated mice, they were able to switch on and off the animals' ability to form lasting memories by adding a substance to their drinking water.
'Escaped' proteins add to hearing loss in elderly, UF researchers find
Age-related hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder among the elderly. But scientists are still trying to figure out what cellular processes govern or contribute to the loss.
Findings show nanomedicine promising for treating spinal cord injuries
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new approach for repairing damaged nerve fibers in spinal cord injuries using nano-spheres that could be injected into the blood shortly after an accident.
More Nerve Cells Current Events and Nerve Cells News Articles
 |
Culturing Nerve Cells, Second Edition (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience) by Gary Banker (Editor), Kimberly Goslin (Editor) Because neurons and glia in culture are remarkably similar to those in situ, culture systems make it possible to identify significant cell interactions and to elucidate their mechanisms. This book is in many ways a do-it-yourself manual for culturing nerve cells, complete with recipes and protocols. But it also provides an understanding of the principles behind the protocols. In effect the contributors invite you into their labs and provide much of the information you would obtain from such a visit. The authors of the introductory chapters present the nuts-and-bolts principles of growing nerve cells. The authors of the following chapters discuss the culturing of specific cell types. They explain how their experimental goals have shaped their particular cell culture approach and the... |
 |
Nerve Cell (Neuron from Spinal Cord) Photographic Poster Print by David M. Dennis, 30x40 by Art.com Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art prints, posters, photographs, and framed artwork. With our huge selection of over 400,000 prints, you'll easily find the perfect piece for your home, office, or classroom. Our art is printed on quality paper. When you order framed artwork, the piece is built by our team of in-house professionals. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/artdotcom to find Special Offers and search for products based on 'Artist Name' and 'Subject Categories' such as Movie, Music, Vintage, TV, Children, Travel, Kitchen, Museum Art, Animals, Floral, Motivational, and Sports. Art.com is dedicated to providing you with high quality products and service by offering you 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your... |
 |
Patterns of Nerve-Cell Action Inspector Owl (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Mucuna- Kaunch-mucuna Pruriens - normal nerve cell function by Ayurveda Herbal Trade MUCUNA- Kaunch-Mucuna pruriens Kaunch or Cowitch is commonly known as an excellent revitalizer, especially for those suffering from general debility and with irregular controls over muscular activity. It contributes to good health by stimulating ones muscle tone and improves quality of life in elderly males. Note: These statements have not been evaluated by Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
 |
Bodyscapes As every human being is unique, so are our bodies. In this exploration of the surface of the human body, see how everyone differs, right down to the minutest detail. Imaging techniques such as macro-motion control and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) reveal the strange landscapes of our bodies all the way from tongue to toe. |
 |
Olympian Labs Herp-eeze Next Generation by Olympian Labs Healing can often occur naturally if the body receives the proper nutritional support. Supplementation with certain natural compounds from plant sources is a convenient way to balance and support the beneficial processes within our own bodies. Such is the case with Herp-EezeTM Next Generation. The Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 and 2 Herpes Simplex infection occurs after exposure to the virus through a break in the skin or through mucus membranes. There is strong evidence that the virus may be transmitted even when symptoms are not present. The virus spreads to nerve cells within the body and then to other mucosal skin surfaces. The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can cause blister- like sores on the skin. There are two types of HSV: Type 1, in and around the mouth and Type 2, in the... |
 |
Re-Generation Directed By: Brenton Spencer Also With: Brent Karl Clackson (Producer), Richard B. Lewis (Producer), Pen Densham (Producer), John Watson (Producer), Jonathan Glassner (Producer), Brad Wright (Producer), Scott Shepherd (Producer) |
|
Patterns of Nerve-Cell Action by Inspector Owl | |
 |
PacSci Microscope Slide Set II by Pacific Science Supplies, Inc |
 |
Nerve Cells and Nervous Systems: An Introduction to Neuroscience by A.G. Brown (Author) Univ. of Edinburgh, UK. Introduction to the general principles of the organization and function of the nervous system for undergraduates and graduates. Presents general principles in the context of experimental evidence. Systems approach is avoided. Previous edition; c1991. Softcover. DNLM: Nervous System. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |