The role of cholinergic and serotonergic neocortical projections in controlling skilled movement in rats : evaluation of a model of dementia
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Date
2002
Authors
Gharbawie, Omar A.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2002
Abstract
The ascending cholinergic and serotonergic projections are central to cortical activation and normal behavior. The objective of this thesis was to determine whether unilaterally damaging both of these systems would disrupt the production of skilled movements on the contralateral side of the body. Rats received unilateral damage to either the ascending cholinergic, or serotonergic, or both projections. The respective lesions reduced neocortical leveles of acetylcholine and serotonin as assessed by acetylcholinesterase reactivity and immunohistochemical staining for serotonin. Subjects were assessed on a battery of sensorimotor tasks sensitive to neocortical integrity. The cholinergic lesion produced mild deficits on some taks but damage to both together did not abolish skilled movement. The impairments are decreased in relation to the severe effects of bilateral lesions. The results show that the sensorimotor cortex remains functional following deafferentation of both cholinergic and serotonergic afferents.
Description
vii, 166 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
Keywords
Dementia -- Research , Rats -- Behavior , Cholinergic mechanisms -- Research , Serotoninergic mechanisms -- Research , Dissertations, Academic