Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
methamphetamine-induced melanization, dopamine cell culture, diseases
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) neurons are at the core of many highly-researched diseases. Dopaminergic neuronal degeneration has been linked to oxidative stress, a state that occurs when high levels of normally-occurring reactive oxidative species (ROS) are formed. Depending on the location of such degradation, the result could be either Parkinson’s disease or the very common state of addiction and withdrawal.
Neuromelanin is a dark polymer pigment found on some catecholaminergic neurons and contains a stable radical that is able to inactivate ROS and possibly protect DA neurons from degradation. The mechanism for spontaneous melanization is unknown, but an understanding of this process and how it can combat sources of oxidative stress could help researchers learn how to protect the body against diseases that result in loss of DA neurons.
Recommended Citation
Oliphant, Rebecca and Steffensen, Scott
(2017)
"Methamphetamine-induced Melanization in Dopamine Cell Culture,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2017:
Iss.
1, Article 93.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2017/iss1/93