A new study has found a derivative of cholesterol is necessary for brain cell formation.
Researchers at Swedens Karolinska Institute say tests on mice prove that the formation of dopamine-producing neurons during brain development is dependent on the activation of a specific receptor in the brain by an oxidized form of cholesterol called oxysterol.
Dopamine-producing nerve cells play an important part in many brain functions and processes, from motor skills to reward systems and dependency. They are also the type of cell that die in Parkinsons disease.
In addition, oxysterol was helpful in creating more dopamine-producing nerve cells in laboratory-cultivated embryonic stem cells. “It is a great advancement since it increases the possibility of developing new treatments for Parkinsons disease,” said Professor Ernest Arenas of the Karolinska Institute.
Researchers say their findings are important for the future of Parkinsons disease research and treatments. They hope it will be possible to replace dead cells in the brains of Parkinsons patients with transplanted cultivated dopamine-producing cells. Such cells can also be used to test new Parkinsons drugs.
According to the Mayo Clinic, and therapies have also been helpful in treating the symptoms of Parkinsons. Simple physical activities such as walking and swimming as well as physical therapy and soothing massage can provide relief from muscle rigidity and have other neuromuscular benefits.