Premorbid exercising in specific cognitive tasks prevents impairment of performance in parkinsonian monkeys

Brain Res. 2007 Feb 23;1134(1):180-6. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.11.066. Epub 2006 Dec 28.

Abstract

Adult Cebus apella monkeys were exposed to either one, two or four series of cognitive tasks that place a demand on working memory and inhibitory control (Spatial Delayed Response and Object Retrieval Detour), before administration of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-1-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Following MPTP treatment, monkeys receiving more than one series successfully reached criteria at delays similar to those attained during the pre-MPTP stage for the Spatial Delayed Response task and avoided increased perseveration in the Object Retrieval Detour task. Results provide evidence that protection towards a neurotoxin in specific cognitive performances can be increased by repeated exposure to task-specific cognitive demands and that motor and cognitive impairment following MPTP treatment can be effectively dissociated in primates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cebus
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / prevention & control
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Disease Progression
  • Dopamine / biosynthesis
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / complications*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / physiopathology
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / psychology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / drug effects
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Recovery of Function / physiology
  • Substantia Nigra / drug effects
  • Substantia Nigra / pathology
  • Substantia Nigra / physiopathology
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / analysis
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
  • Dopamine