Journal of Neuroscience features Barrow research on cover

February 1, 2011

By hammersmith

[From Barrow Neurological Institute]

The cover article for the Feb. 2 edition of Journal of Neuroscience features research led by Andrej Romanovsky of Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.

The featured research discovers a new role of TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid-1) receptors in the regulation of locomotor activity, or the movement from place to place. […] While studying how TRPV1-deficient mice regulate their body temperature, the researchers made an unexpected observation that these animals, when young, exhibit a much higher locomotor activity than control mice. […]

The researchers then conducted experiments with drugs that block or activate TRPV1 receptors and looked at how these drugs affect general motor activity. These pharmacological experiments confirmed that TRPV1 receptors located outside the brain send signals to the brain to suppress locomotion.

“We all know that the body’s propensity for physical activity changes based on numerous factors,” explains Dr. Romanovsky. “For example, we do not want to exercise after having a large meal, when it is hot outside, or when we are tired, nauseated or in pain. We all know people who seem to be naturally inactive, as well as people who are more active than others. Our study suggests that the TRPV1 receptors may send signals that play a role in regulating the extent of locomotor activity.”

Read more at the source: “Barrow TRPV1 research highlighted in Journal of Neuroscience