The motivation to invest in social interactions is closely linked to the reward system via the activation of dopaminergic neurons.
A new study reveals some experimental antibody treatments for neurodegenerative disorders increase neuroinflammation. The effect was seen in human microglia, not mouse microglia. This may explain why mouse studies have shown these treatments to be effective, but the effect has not been replicated in human studies.
Enteric neurons appear to play a key role in the development of Parkinson's disease. The findings support the hypothesis and previous studies that the neurodegenerative disease may start in the gut before spreading to the brain. Researchers also found oligodendrocytes were affected during the early stages of Parkinson's, even before the loss of dopaminergic neurons.
Converting skin cells to functional brain cells relies on precise insertion of Line-1 retrotransposons.
New findings about dopaminergic neurons in the striatum could have implications for treating Parkinson's disease and Tourette syndrome.
Mice infected with bacteria that cause mild intestinal infections exhibited Parkinson's like symptoms later in life. The findings provide a pathophysiological model in which intestinal infections may act as a trigger for Parkinson's disease.
PPL2 neurons help modulate the strength of memories.
A cluster of epigenetic marks in an enhancer at IGF2 could enhance dopamine synthesis associated with psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The findings may help in devising more effective treatments and screening strategies for both disorders.
Zebrafish study reveals how key dopaminergic neurons, which are damaged as a result of Parkinson's disease, can be regenerated. Researchers report the immune system plays a critical role in the process.
Embedding a molecule called TRPM8 into the surface of some cells helps reduce aggression and sexual appetite in mice, a new study reports.
Researchers report on how new advances in stem cell biology and genetic engineering could be beneficial in developing new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Researchers may have solved one of the great mysteries of neuroscience; namely, why neurons in the temporal lobe are the first to die in Alzheimer's disease, and why dopaminergic neurons are damaged first in Parkinson's.
