The neurobiological bases for the pharmacotherapy of nicotine addiction.

Nicotine, the major psychoactive agent present in tobacco, acts as a potent addictive drug both in humans and laboratory animals, whose locomotor activity is also stimulated. A large body of evidence indicates that the locomotor activation and the reinforcing effects of nicotine may be related to its stimulatory effects on the mesolimbic dopaminergic function. Thus, it is now well established that nicotine can increase in vivo DA outflow in the nucleus accumbens and the corpus striatum. The stimulatory effect of nicotine on DA release most probably results from its ability to excite the neuronal firing rate and to increase the bursting activity of DA neurons in the substantia nigra pars com…

Nitric oxide modulation of the basal ganglia circuitry: therapeutic implication for Parkinson's disease and other motor disorders.

Several recent studies have emphasized a crucial role for the nitrergic system in movement control and the pathophysiology of the basal ganglia (BG). These observations are supported by anatomical evidence demonstrating the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in all the basal ganglia nuclei. In fact, nitrergic terminals have been reported to make synaptic contacts with both substantia nigra dopamine-containing neurons and their terminal areas such as the striatum, the globus pallidus and the subthalamus. These brain areas contain a high expression of nitric oxide (NO)-producing neurons, with the striatum having the greatest number, together with important NO afferent input. In this pape…

A rapid and quantitative technique to study striatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration by in vivo reverse microdialysis in rats

Selective stimulation of serotonin2c receptors blocks the enhancement of striatal accumbal dopamine release by nicotine administration

Central Serotonin2C Receptor: From Physiology to Pathology

Since the 1950s, when serotonin (5-HT) was discovered in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), an enormous amount of experimental evidence has revealed the pivotal role of this biogenic amine in a number of cognitive and behavioural functions. Although 5-HT is synthesized by a small group of neurons within the raphe nuclei of the brain stem, almost all parts of the CNS receive serotonergic projections. Furthermore, the importance of 5-HT modulation and the fine-tuning of its action is underlined by the large number of 5-HT binding sites found in the CNS. Hitherto, up to 15 different 5-HT receptors subtypes have been identified. This review was undertaken to summarize the work that has…

High dose of 8-OH-DPAT decreases maximal dentate gyrus activation and facilitates granular cell plasticity in vivo.

Although several studies have emphasized a crucial role for the serotonergic system in the control of hippocampal excitability, the role of serotonin (5-HT) and its receptors in normal and pathologic conditions, such as temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), is still unclear. The present study was therefore designed firstly to investigate the acute effect of 8-OH-DPAT, a mixed 5-HT1A/7 receptor agonist, at a high dose (1 mg/kg, i.p.) known to have antiepileptic properties, in a model of acute partial epilepsy in rats. For this purpose, a maximal dentate activation (MDA) protocol was used to measure electrographic seizure onset and duration. In addition, the effect of 8-OH-DPAT on in vivo dentate gyr…

Nitric Oxide Modulation of the Dopaminergic Nigrostriatal System: Focus on Nicotine Action

Nitric oxide (NO) signalling plays an important role in the integration of information processed by the basal ganglia nuclei. Accordingly, considerable evidence has emerged indicating a role for NO in pathophysiological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), schizophrenia and drug addiction. To further investigate the NO modulation of dopaminergic function in the basal ganglia circuitry, in this study we used in vivo electrophysiology and microdialysis in freely-moving rats. Pharmacological manipulation of the NO system did not cause any significant changes either in the basal firing rate and bursting activity of the dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) or…

Analisi dell'appoggio podalico in donne obese e normopeso durante il ciclo del passo.

Unilateral Nigral Lesion Induces Dramatic Bilateral Modification In Rat Brain Monoamine Levels: A Neurochemical Study.

Stile di vita attivo e densità ossea in donne in eta’ postmenopausale.

ACETYLSALYCILIC ACID (ASA) PROTECTS AGAINST NEURONAL DAMAGE INDUCED BY 1-METHYL-4-PHENYLPYRIDINIUM IODIDE (MPP+) IN RAT STRIATUM: AN IN VIVO MICRODIALYSIS STUDY

Involvement of Nitric Oxide in Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System Degeneration : A Neurochemical Study.

The present study was undertaken to explore the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) experimental model of Parkinson's disease (PD) in rats. The effect of pharmacological manipulation of the NO system was evaluated on striatal dopamine (DA) level decrease produced by the toxin. 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, 50 mg/kg i.p.; n= 5) pretreatment significantly restored the striatal DA contents. Conversely, 40 mg/kg i.p. of molsidomine (MOL, n= 5), an NO donor, significantly worsened the neurodegeneration (n= 5) and completely counteracted the neuroprotective effect of 7-NI (n= 5). Thus, a crucial role for NO in 6-OHDA induced neurodegeneration is suggested together with a p…

Airway cell composition at rest and after an all-out test in competitive rowers

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004 Oct;36(10):1723-9. Airway cell composition at rest and after an all-out test in competitive rowers. Morici G, Bonsignore MR, Zangla D, Riccobono L, Profita M, Bonanno A, Paternò A, Di Giorgi R, Mirabella F, Chimenti L, Benigno A, Vignola AM, Bellia V, Amato G, Bonsignore G. SourceDepartment of Experimental Medicine Italian National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy. Abstract PURPOSES: This study was designed to assess: a) whether rowing affects airway cell composition, and b) the possible relationship between the degree of ventilation during exercise and airway cells. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In nine young, nonasthmatic competitive rowers (mean age +/- SD: 16.2 …

ROLE OF CENTRAL 5-HT2C RECEPTOR IN THE CONTROLL OF BASAL GANGLIA FUNCTIONS

The role of the substantia nigra on the rage reaction elicited by hypothalamic stimulation, in the cat.

The effects of substantia nigra stimulation on the rage reaction evoked by hypothalamic activation were studied. The reference value of the rage reaction was the latency of the hissing, which was constant in all animals when hypothalamic stimulation was performed with the same parameters. Simultaneous activation of substantia nigra and hypothalamus determined a significant decrease in hissing latency. The influence of the substantia nigra on the affective components of the aggressive behavior is underlined.

Role of nitric oxide on the conrol of the dopaminergic Nigrostriatal system: a combined electrophysiological And dialysis analysis in rats

Temporal patterns of rat behaviour in the central platform of the elevated plus maze. Comparative analysis between male subjects of strains with different basal levels of emotionality

We have analyzed the temporal patterns of behaviour of male rats of the Wistar and DA/Han strains on the central platform of the elevated plus maze. The ethogram encompassed 10 behavioural elements. Durations, frequencies and latencies showed quantitative differences as to walking and sniffing activities. Wistar rats displayed significantly lower latency and significantly higher durations and frequencies of walking activities. DA/Han rats showed a significant increase of sniffing duration. In addition, DA/Han rats showed a significantly higher amount of time spent in the central platform. Multivariate T-pattern analysis revealed differences in the temporal organization of behaviour of the t…

T-pattern analysis for the study of temporal structure of animal and human behavior : a comprehensive review

A basic tenet in the realm of modern behavioral sciences is that behavior consists of patterns in time. For this reason, investigations of behavior deal with sequences that are not easily perceivable by the unaided observer. This problem calls for improved means of detection, data handling and analysis. This review focuses on the analysis of the temporal structure of behavior carried out by means of a multivariate approach known as T-pattern analysis. Using this technique, recurring sequences of behavioral events, usually hard to detect, can be unveiled and carefully described. T-pattern analysis has been successfully applied in the study of various aspects of human or animal behavior such …

Plasma leptin and VEGF levels after maximal exercise at high altitude (5050 m)

Beneficial effects of low intensity endurance training in adult mdx mise

MUSCARINIC MODULATION OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE SUBSTANTIA NIGRA PARS COMPACTA NEURONS IN RATS: ROLE OF THE TEGMENTAL PEDUNCULOPONTINE NUCLEUS

The unilateral nigral lesion induces dramatic bilateral modification on rat brain monoamine neurochemistry

6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is a neurotoxic compound commonly used to induce dopamine (DA) depletion in the nigrostriatal system, mimicking Parkinson's disease (PD) in animals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the 7-day effect of unilateral nigral lesion on rat brain monoamine neurochemistry. Five brain regions were examined: the brain stem, cerebellum, hippocampus, striatum, and cortex. 6-OHDA-unilateral lesion dramatically modified DA, serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites contents in both sides of the different brain nuclei. Furthermore, unilateral 6-OHDA lesion reduced DA and 5-HT contents and produced a robust inversion of their turnover in the nonlesioned side compared to …

7-Nitroindazole protects striatal neurons against MPP+ -induced degeneration.

The neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the selective degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). In this study, using a microdialysis technique, we investigated whether an inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), 7-nitrindazole (7-NI), could protect against DAergic neuronal damage induced by in vivo infusion of 1-methyl-4-phenylpiridinium iodide (MPP+) in freely moving rats. Experiments were performed over 2 days in three groups of rats: (a) nonlesioned, (b) MPP+-lesioned, and (c) 7-NI pretreated MPP+-lesioned rats. On day 1, control rats were perfused with an artificial CSF, while 1 mM MPP+ was infused into t…

7-nitroindazole protects striatal dopaminergic neurons against MPP+-induced degeneration: an in vivo microdialysis study.

The neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the selective degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). In this study, using a microdialysis technique, we investigated whether an inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), 7-nitrindazole (7-NI), could protect against DAergic neuronal damage induced by in vivo infusion of 1-methyl-4-phenylpiridinium iodide (MPP(+)) in freely moving rats. Experiments were performed over 2 days in three groups of rats: (a) nonlesioned, (b) MPP(+)-lesioned, and (c) 7-NI pretreated MPP(+)-lesioned rats. On day 1, control rats were perfused with an artificial CSF, while 1 mM MPP(+) was infuse…

Effect of maximal exercise on reticulocytes in athletes

Modifications of the spontaneous bioelectric activity and of the after discharge evoked in the amygdala after pallidal injection of kainic acid in the cat.

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the modifications of the spontaneous bioelectric activity and of the after discharge (AD) evoked in the amygdala after pallidal injection of kainic acid (KA) in the cat. An experiment was conducted in which injection of KA, a neurotoxic drug analog of glutamate, was made into the entopeduncolar nucleus (EN), the equivalent of the medial globus pallidus of primates, to observe the modifications produced on the spontaneous amygdaloid bioelectric activity and on the evoked AD. An AD was evoked in the amygdala by stimulation of the ipsilateral pyriform cortex. The duration of the amygdaloid AD was related to the stimulus parameters. In the same animal, th…

The Molecular Anatomy of Human Hsp60 and its Similarity with that of Bacterial Orthologs and Acetylcholine Receptor Reveal a Potential Pathogenetic Role of Anti-Chaperonin Immunity in Myasthenia Gravis.

Heat-shock protein 60 (Hsp60) is ubiquitous and highly conserved being present in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, including pathogens. This chaperonin, although typically a mitochondrial protein, can also be found in other intracellular sites, extracellularly, and in circulation. Thus, it can signal the immune system and participate in the development of inflammation and immune reactions. Both phenomena can be elicited by human and foreign Hsp60 (e.g., bacterial GroEL), when released into the blood by infectious agents. Consequently, all these Hsp60 proteins become part of a complex autoimmune response characterized by multiple cross reactions because of their structural similarities. In this s…

Involvement of nitric oxide in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system degeneration: a study on the 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease.

Bronchial epithelial thickness is increased in small airways of MDX mise at rest and after training

INFLAMMATION IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Acute Nicotine Induces Anxiety and Disrupts Temporal Pattern Organization of Rat Exploratory Behavior in Hole-Board: A Potential Role for the Lateral Habenula

Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs of abuse. Tobacco smoking is a major cause of many health problems, and is the first preventable cause of death worldwide. Several findings show that nicotine exerts significant aversive as well as the well-known rewarding motivational effects. Less certain is the anatomical substrate that mediates or enables nicotine aversion. Here, we show that acute nicotine induces anxiogenic-like effects in rats at the doses investigated (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), as measured by the hole-board apparatus and manifested in behaviors such as decreased rearing and head-dipping and increased grooming. No changes in locomotor behavior were observed at any of …

Hsp60 response in experimental and human temporal lobe epilepsy due to hyppocampal sclerosis

Hsp60 is widely distributed in the brain, and its alteration has been involved in different neurological disorders. Epilepsy is considered one of the most common neurological disorders and typically involves the hippocampal formation. Compelling evidence describes a role of mitochondria, oxidative stress and both innate and adaptive immunity during epileptogenesis in temporal lobe epilepsy due to hyppocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS). Here, we investigate the Hsp60 involvement in experimental and human epilepsy. Firstly, expression and distribution of Hsp60 in epileptic hippocampi of a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), based on the phenomenon of maximal dentate gyrus activation (MDA), usi…

Serotonin-Dopamine interaction in Nicotine Addiction: Focus on 5-HT2C Receptors

Central dopaminergic systems play a critical role in the regulation of normal and abnormal behaviors. Recent evidence suggests that a dysfunction of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitter systems contribute to various pathological conditions. Substantial evidence indicates that the mesolimbic pathway, particularly the DA cells innervating accumbal areas, is implicated in the reward value of both natural and drug reinforcers, such as sexual behavior or psychostimulants, respectively. Nicotine, the major psychoactive agent present in tobacco, acts as a potent addictive drug both in humans and laboratory animals. The locomotor activation and the reinforcing effects of nicotine may…

Author Correction: The FAAH inhibitor URB597 suppresses hippocampal maximal dentate afterdischarges and restores seizure-induced impairment of short and long-term synaptic plasticity

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.

The Life Cycle of the Dopaminergic Neurons in the Substantia Nigra

Real-time Patterns of Behavior Following Nociceptive Stimulation in Rats

The hot-plate test is employed, in rodents, to assess the analgesic properties of drugs. The surface where the animal is placed is normally maintained at a constant temperature around 50°C or 55°C. For this reason rat’s behavior, once placed on the heated surface, can be observed only for few seconds, and a necessary interruption occurs following an a priori-established cut-off to avoid tissue injuries. Such a narrow time window dampened the assessment of fine behavioral characteristics such as the temporal structure of behavior. In the present paper we demonstrate the possibility to apply a refined multivariate approach, known as T-pattern analysis (TPA), to describe the temporal character…

Increased bronchial epithelial thickness in small airways of mdx mice at rest and after exercise training

Effects of specific training on hormone levels in female athletes.

Modifications induced on rat exploratory behavior by acoustic stimulation: a multivariate analysis

Selective activation of 5-HT(2C) receptors stimulates GABA-ergic function in the rat substantia nigra pars reticulata: a combined in vivo electrophysiological and neurochemical study.

In vivo electrophysiology and microdialysis were used to investigate the physiological role of 5-HT(2C) receptors in the control of substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) function. Extracellular single-unit recordings were performed from putative GABA-containing neurons in the SNr of anesthetized rats, and local GABA release was studied by in vivo microdialysis in the SNr of awake freely-moving rats. Systemic administration of the selective 5-HT(2C) receptor agonist (S)-2-(chloro-5-fluoro-indol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamine 1:1 C(4)H(4)O(4) (RO 60-0175) caused a dose-dependent excitation of about 30% of the SNr neurons recorded. However, the remaining neurons were either inhibited or unaffected …

Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease: Therapeutic Implications.

ROLE OF CENTRAL 5-HT2C RECEPTOR IN THE CONTROLL OF BASAL GANGLIA FUNCTIONS.

Crucial Role of the 5-HT2C Receptor in Regulating the Activity of the Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata Neurons: An Electrophysiological Study in Rats. 5th Forum of European Neuroscience - Vienna

Critical role of nitric oxide on nicotine-induced hyperactivation of dopaminergic nigrostriatal system: electrophysiological and neurochemical evidence in rats

Nicotine, the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco, stimulates dopamine (DA) function, increasing DA neuronal activity and DA release. DA is involved in both motor control and in the rewarding and reinforcing effects of nicotine; however, the complete understanding of its molecular mechanisms is yet to be attained. Substantial evidence indicates that the reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse, including nicotine, can be affected by the nitric oxide (NO) system, which may act by modulating central dopaminergic function. In this study, using single cell recordings in vivo coupled with microiontophoresis and microdialysis in freely moving animals, the role of NO signaling on the hyperacti…

The FAAH inhibitor URB597 suppresses hippocampal maximal dentate afterdischarges and restores seizure-induced impairment of short and long-term synaptic plasticity

Synthetic cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids have been shown to suppress seizures both in humans and experimental models of epilepsy. However, they generally have a detrimental effect on memory and memory-related processes. Here we compared the effect of the inhibition of the endocannabinoid (eCB) degradation versus synthetic CB agonist on limbic seizures induced by maximal dentate activation (MDA) acute kindling. Moreover, we investigated the dentate gyrus (DG) granule cell reactivity and synaptic plasticity in naïve and in MDA-kindled anaesthetised rats. We found that both the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 and the synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 displayed AM…

The Pivotal Role of Nitric Oxide in 6-OHDA-induced Dopaminergic Neurotoxicity: Neurochemical Evidences in Rats

Critical role of Nitric Oxide on Nicotine-Induced Hyperactivation of Dopaminergic Nigrostriatal System: Electrophysiological and Neurochemical evidence in Rats

Nicotine, the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco, stimulates dopamine (DA) function, increasing DA neuronal activity and DA release. DA is involved in both motor control and in the rewarding and reinforcing effects of nicotine; however, the complete understanding of its molecular mechanisms is yet to be attained. Substantial evidence indicates that the reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse, including nicotine, can be affected by the nitric oxide (NO) system, which may act by modulating central dopaminergic function. In this study, using single cell recordings in vivo coupled with microiontophoresis and microdialysis in freely moving animals, the role of NO signaling on the hyperacti…

THE SUBSTANTIA NIGRA DOPAMINERGIC NEURONS

Serotonin modulation of the basal ganglia circuitry: therapeutic implication for Parkinson's disease and other motor disorders

Several recent studies have emphasized a crucial role for the interactions between serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in movement control and the pathophysiology of basal ganglia. These observations are supported by anatomical evidence demonstrating large serotonergic innervation of all the basal ganglia nuclei. In fact, serotonergic terminals have been reported to make synaptic contacts with both substantia nigra dopamine-containing neurons and their terminal areas such as the striatum, the globus pallidus and the subthalamus. These brain areas contain a high concentration of serotonin (5-HT), with the substantia nigra pars reticulata receiving the greatest input. In this chapter, the d…

CRUCIAL ROLE OF THE 5-HT2C RECEPTOR IN REGULATING THE ACTIVITY OF THE SUBSTANTIA NIGRA PARS RETICULATA NEURONS: AN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY IN RATS

Serotonin Involvement in the Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology: Could the 5-HT2C Receptor be a New Target for Therapeutic Strategies?.

The basal ganglia are a highly interconnected group of subcortical nuclei in the vertebrate brain that play a critical role not only in the control of movements but also in some cognitive and behavioral functions. Several recent studies have emphasized that serotonergic pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) are intimately involved in the modulation of the basal ganglia and in the pathophysiology of human involuntary movement disorders. These observations are supported by anatomical evidence demonstrating large serotonergic innervation of the basal ganglia. In fact, serotonergic terminals have been reported to make synaptic contacts with dopamine (DA)-containing neurons and gamma-amin…

Serotonin modulation of the basal ganglia circuitry : therapeutic implication for Parkinson’s disease and other motor disorders

Several recent studies have emphasized a crucial role for the interactions between serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in movement control and the pathophysiology of basal ganglia. These observations are supported by anatomical evidence demonstrating large serotonergic innervation of all the basal ganglia nuclei. In fact, serotonergic terminals have been reported to make synaptic contacts with both substantia nigra dopamine-containing neurons and their terminal areas such as the striatum, the globus pallidus and the subthalamus. These brain areas contain a high concentration of serotonin (5-HT), with the substantia nigra pars reticulata receiving the greatest input. In this chapter, the d…

Selective Activation of Serotonin2C Receptors Stimulates GABA-ergic Function in the Rat Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata: A Combined in Vivo Electrophysiological and Neurochemical Study.

In vivo electrophysiology and microdialysis were used to investigate the physiological role of 5-HT2C receptors in the control of substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) function. Extracellular single-unit recordings were performed from putative GABA-containing neurons in the SNr of anesthetized rats, and local GABA release was studied by in vivo microdialysis in the SNr of awake freely-moving rats. Systemic administration of the selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist (S)-2-(chloro-5-fluoro-indol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamine 1:1 C4H4O4 (RO 60-0175) caused a dose-dependent excitation of about 30% of the SNr neurons recorded. However, the remaining neurons were either inhibited or unaffected by systemi…

Hsp60 response in experimental and human temporal lobe epilepsy

The mitochondrial chaperonin Hsp60 is a ubiquitous molecule with multiple roles, constitutively expressed and inducible by oxidative stress. In the brain, Hsp60 is widely distributed and has been implicated in neurological disorders, including epilepsy. A role for mitochondria and oxidative stress has been proposed in epileptogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Here, we investigated the involvement of Hsp60 in TLE using animal and human samples. Hsp60 immunoreactivity in the hippocampus, measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, was increased in a rat model of TLE. Hsp60 was also increased in the hippocampal dentate gyrus neurons somata and neuropil and hippocampus proper …

Activation of 5-HT2C receptors stimulates GABA-ergic neurons of the rat substantia nigra pars reticulata: an in vivo microiontophoretic study.

Aspirin protects striatal dopaminergic neurons from neurotoxin-induced degeneration: an in vivo microdialysis study.

The effect of aspirin on dopaminergic neuronal damage induced by in vivo infusion of 1-methyl-4-phenylpiridinium iodide (MPP(+)) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was studied in rats, using microdialysis. Rat striata were perfused with 1 mM MPP(+) or 6-OHDA for 10 min, causing peak levels of dopamine (DA) in the dialytic fluid, after 40 min. After 24 h, 1 mM MPP(+) was perfused again for 10 min and DA levels measured in the dialytic fluid, as an index of neuronal cell integrity. Pretreatment with Aspidol (lysine acetylsalicylate), 180 mg/kg i.p., 1 h before MPP(+) or 6-OHDA perfusion, did not modify DA extracellular output, on day 1, but restored MPP(+)-induced DA release on day 2, indicating …

Electrophysiological and Neurochemical Characterization of 7-Nitroindazole and Molsidomine Acute and Sub-Chronic Administration Effects in the Dopaminergic Nigrostrial System in Rats

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the integration of information processed by the basal ganglia nuclei. Accordingly, considerable evidence has emerged indicating a role for NO in pathophysiological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Despite these recent advances, the nitrergic modulation of the dopamine (DA) nigrostriatal system is still unclear. In order to fill this gap, in this study we used in vivo electrophysiology and ex vivo neurochemical analysis to further investigate the effect of NO signaling in rat substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the striatum. Acute and subchronic (4 days) pharmacological manipulation of the NO …

Effects of low intensity endurance training on small airways of MDX mice

Electrophysiological and neurochemical characterization of 7-nitroindazole and molsidomine acute and sub-chronic administration effects in the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system in rats

Nicotine, the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco, stimulates dopamine (DA) function, increasing DA neuronal activity and DA release. DA is involved in both motor control and in the rewarding and reinforcing effects of nicotine; however, the complete understanding of its molecular mechanisms is yet to be attained. Substantial evidence indicates that the reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse, including nicotine, can be affected by the nitric oxide (NO) system, which may act by modulating central dopaminergic function. In this study, using single cell recordings in vivo coupled with microiontophoresis and microdialysis in freely moving animals, the role of NO signaling on the hyperacti…

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is known to be a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by a selective degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). A large body of experimental evidence indicates that the factors involved in the pathogenesis of this disease are several, occurring inside and outside the DAergic neuron. Recently, the role of the neuron–glia interaction and the inflammatory process, in particular, has been the object of intense study by the research community. It seems to represent a new therapeutic approach opportunity for this neurological disorder. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that the cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-…

ANTIOXIDANTS DIETERY INTAKE AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE