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Statins can protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to new study
June 22, 2009High cholesterol levels are considered to be a risk factor not only for cardiovascular disease including stroke, but also for the development of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, many cholesterol lowering drugs, including statins, have been developed in recent years. In addition to the cholesterol reducing effect of statins Amalia Dolga, PhD, of the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, and her co-investigators have demonstrated that statins can protect nerve cells against damage which we know to occur in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients. The results are published in the June issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
How nerve cells die in Alzheimer's disease is complex but we know that nerve cells eventually die because they are strongly overstimulated, a process called excitotoxicity. In animal experiments conducted in the laboratory of Professor Ulrich Eisel, Department of Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Dolga and colleagues overstimulated such nerve cells. They clearly demonstrated that treatment with a statin called Lovastatin could prevent the death of nerve cells under these conditions. The statins not only prevented cells from dying but also prevented the loss of memory capacity that normally occurs after such cell death. In a previous study Dolga had showed that these statins stimulate the protective capacity of tumor necrosis factor, which is a key player in the brain's immune response.
Dolga has demonstrated in animal experiments that this tumor necrosis factor has a strong beneficial effect on nerve cells and can protect nerve cells against death. A widely prescribed drug like statins can activate this protective pathway revealing strong beneficial effect.
IOS Press
IOS Press
Nerve Cells Current Events and Nerve Cells News RSSSchizophrenia 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.
Caltech researchers show efficacy of gene therapy in mouse models of Huntington's disease
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have shown that a highly specific intrabody (an antibody fragment that works against a target inside a cell) is capable of stalling the development of Huntington's disease in a variety of mouse models.
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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. |
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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... |
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Patterns of Nerve-Cell Action Inspector Owl (Primary Contributor) |
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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. |
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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. |
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Source Naturals MethylCobalamin Vitamin B-12, Tablets, Cherry Flavored Sublingual, 120 tablets (Pack of 2) by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. MethylCobalamin, an active coenzyme form of vitamin B-12, is essential for cell growth and replication. It is more concentrated than other forms of B-12 in the cerebrospinal fluid where it can be used by the central nervous system. It donates methyl groups to the myelin sheath that insulates certain nerve fibers. It may also play a role in maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle, as well as normal nerve function (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease). Suitable for vegetarians. Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. |
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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) |
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Patterns of Nerve-Cell Action by Inspector Owl | |
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PacSci Microscope Slide Set II by Pacific Science Supplies, Inc |
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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... |
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