Increased survival of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons following a toxic MPTP insult in the exercising primate: A [ 11C]DTBZ PET study

• Published in: NeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.) Vol. 41; p. T55
• Main Authors: Lopresti, Brian J., Zhang, Z., Zigmond, M.J., Leak, R.K., Mathis, C.A., Cameron, J.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 2008; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Fitness equipment; Neurons; Parkinson's disease; Physical fitness
• ISSN: 1053-8119; 1095-9572
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.04.229

Current research efforts are focused on understanding the processes that ultimately result in the destruction of dopamine (DA) neurons and modulators of these processes, as these could ultimately lead to disease-modifying treatments for PD. Rodent studies suggest that physical exercise can stimulate mechanisms of neuroprotection, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, angiogenesis, and the production of trophic factors, and also mitigate the destruction of nigrostriatal neurons following exposure to DA neurotoxins. The goal of the present work is to investigate whether and to what degree physical exercise in primates leads to plastic changes in the brain that may mitigate loss of DA neurons in PD and animal models of PD. Methods Three adult female rhesus monkeys (15-20 years of age) were trained to run on a treadmill in a manner similar to that recommended clinically to promote cardiovascular fitness.