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Biomedical subjects

L H Gold

Publications and source records attributed to L H Gold.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Targeted mutations of the corticotropin-releasing factor system: effects on physiology and behavior.

Genetic modifications of the genes that encode proteins integral to the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system have been employed in the creation of mutant mice that serve as tools for studying the role of this neuropeptide in regulated and dysregulated behaviors and physiology. Overexpression of the CRF peptide and CRF binding protein as well as deletion of the peptide, binding protein, and both known receptors has been achieved and these mouse models have been characterized for anatomical, neuroendocrine, and behavioral sequelae. The profile of results, consistent with current knowledge of CRF function from more traditional assays, indicates that enhancement of CRF function is associated with an activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, an anxious phenotype, alterations in cognitive performance and reductions in feeding. In general, blockade of CRF function produces the opposite effects. Genetic mouse models allow further analysis of specific elements in the CRF circuitry for which more traditional tools have not existed. These animal models are valuable for increasing our understanding of the underlying pathology associated with a variety of psychiatric and neuroendocrine disorders and for the development and testing of novel treatment agents.

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Longitudinal analysis of behavioral, neurophysiological, viral and immunological effects of SIV infection in rhesus monkeys.

A model is proposed in which a neurovirulent, microglial-passaged, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is used to produce central nervous system (CNS) pathology and behavioral deficits in rhesus monkeys reminiscent of those seen in humans infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The time course of disease progression was characterized by using functional measures of cognition and motor skill, as well as neurophysiologic monitoring. Concomitant assessment of immunological and virological parameters illustrated correspondence between impaired behavioral performance and viral pathogenesis. Convergent results were obtained from neuropathological findings indicative of significant CNS disease. In ongoing studies, this SIV model is being used to explore the behavioral sequelae of immunodeficiency virus infection, the viral and host factors leading to neurologic dysfunction, and to begin testing potential therapeutic agents.

Animals↗