Publication Date
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
David R. Ladle, Ph.D. (Advisor); Kathrin Engisch, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Mark M. Rich, M.D., Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Environmental exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides, such as malathion, is a risk factor for neuropathy and neurodegeneration. Toxic levels of OPs irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, leading to acute paralysis and even death as the neurotransmitter acetylcholine accumulates at cholinergic synapses. In addition, there is compelling evidence that repeated low-level “occupational-like” exposure to OPs is associated with somatosensory defects but the cellular mechanisms for this effect are unclear. We show sensory neuron cell size in the dorsal root ganglia is significantly reduced in rats exposed to occupational level malathion. However, co-administration of a reversible AchE inhibitor, galantamine, prevented this effect.
Page Count
52
Department or Program
Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology
Year Degree Awarded
2023
Copyright
Copyright 2023, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
