Characterization and Quantification of Dopamine Neurons in the Ventral Midbrain: Implications for Neurological Disorders

Author

Magaly Vargas, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Experimental Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Mario Gil

Second Advisor

Dr. Upal Roy

Third Advisor

Dr. Jason Popan

Abstract

Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s Disease affect millions of individuals around the world. Parkinson’s Disease is associated with the degeneration of dopamine neurons in structures of the ventral midbrain, such as the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area. It is important to elucidate the neural mechanisms of neurological disorders for the development and application of pertinent therapies and treatments.

Here, we implemented a modified approach of stereological investigation to characterize and quantify the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, a significant dopamine biomarker, in a neurotoxin-based animal model of PD. By doing so, we hope to better understand the structural components of the ventral midbrain and build on the current understanding of the role of dopamine in brain pathways that are implicated in neurological disorders like PD.

Comments

Copyright 2020 Magaly Vargas. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/characterization-quantification-dopamine-neurons/docview/2496198265/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Vargas, Magaly, "Characterization and Quantification of Dopamine Neurons in the Ventral Midbrain: Implications for Neurological Disorders" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 788.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/788