Aging causes alterations in neurotransmitter content and metabolism that may explain changes in physiological functions with age. In the last decade a great deal of attention has focused on the alteration of neurotransmitter levels by dietary manipulation. However, these studies have concentrated mainly on young adult animals. Our preliminary studies in old rats indicate that protein deficiency induces an increase in dopamine in the neostriatum. The objectives of this study are: 1) to study the timing of this increase in old rats and the duration of the effect; 2) to determine if this phenomenon also occurs in young adult rats and if so, the timing and the duration of the effect; and 3) to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which a low protein diet increases dopamine in the corpus striatum of aged rats, i.e. changes in tyrosine uptake, dopamine synthesis, and turnover rate of dopamine. The long term goals of these studies are related to the treatment of Parkinson's disease, a condition characterized by a reduction of dopamine in the neostriatum.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS021554-02
Application #
3402759
Study Section
Neurology B Subcommittee 1 (NEUB)
Project Start
1984-12-01
Project End
1987-11-30
Budget Start
1985-12-01
Budget End
1986-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Columbia University (N.Y.)
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
064931884
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10027