Stress is one of the most critical influences on behavior, performance and disease.
Recent findings from our laboratory have shown that stress represents a major
modulator of motor function in the intact and damaged brain. The mechanisms by
which stress and stress hormones affect motor system function, however, have not yet
been determined. The objective of this thesis was to determine the route of action of
stress and stress hormones on the motor system in a rat model. The first experiment
investigates whether corticosterone is involved in mediating stress-induced motor
impairments. The second experiment compares the role of glucocorticoid and
mineralocorticoid receptors in regard to modulating the motor response to stress. The
third experiment determines the differential effects of stress on motor function in
males and females. The final experiment systematically describes changes in neuronal
cell signaling that affect normal function of motor areas. The results indicate that
disturbance of fine motor control by stress is not associated with stress hormone
increases. Furthermore, it is modulated through the glucocorticoid and
mineralocorticoid receptors. Stress differentially impairs motor function in males and
females. These changes in motor behaviour could possibly be the result of changes in
neuronal cell signaling within the motor system. This research provides new insights
into physiological influences in motor system function and disorders of the motor
system. / ix, 128 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:ALU.w.uleth.ca/dspace#10133/662 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Jadavji, Nafisa M., University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science |
| Contributors | Metz, Gerlinde |
| Publisher | Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2008, Arts and Science, Department of Neuroscience |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Relation | Thesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science) |
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