Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Date of Award

5-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Daniel Plas

Second Advisor

Dr. Robert Gilkerson

Third Advisor

Dr. Hassan Ahmad

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, characterized by progressive depletion of dopamine (DA). Rotenone, a common pesticide, can induce PD like symptoms in animal models. The goal of this thesis is to quantify the levels and effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in brain tissue of the common neurobiological gastropod model, Lymnaea stagnalis, after treatment with Rotenone. The results show that rotenone causes a behavioral deficit and increases ROS production, especially superoxide. Furthermore, glutathione was depleted and protein carbonyl formation increased. These results are consistent with findings in human PD and the high levels of ROS we find in the Lymnaea model suggest that it is a useful avenue to explore the possible causative role of oxidative stress in dopaminergic neurodegeneration.

Comments

Copyright 2015 Daniel Plas. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/role-oxidative-stress-rotenone-model-lymnaea/docview/1706876876/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American

Included in

Biology Commons

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