Neuroendocrinology of neurodegenerative diseases. Insights from transgenic mouse models.
The nervous system plays a key role in the regulation of neuroendocrine axes and, in turn, the released neurohormones modulate the activity of different brain regions. Neurodegenerative diseases, which are known to affect specific neuronal populations, may provoke neuroendocrine dysfunctions that alter the intimate relationship between both systems. In addition, these modifications may influence the progression of the neurodegenerative process. In the present review, we summarise some of the endocrine changes characterising three major neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Special attention is focused on the contribution of disease transgenic models to elucidate such alterations.
González De Aguilar
Jose-Luis
JL
Laboratoire de Signalisations Moléculaires et Neurodégénérescence, EA 3433, Université Louis-Pasteur, Strasbourg, France.
René
Frédérique
F
Dupuis
Luc
L
Loeffler
Jean-Philippe
JP
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000378:metabolism