Date of Award
5-2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Craig H. Kinsley
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease found in many aging adults. The presence of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is an early indicator of the onset of Alzheimer’s, primarily in memory-related brain regions like the hippocampus. Hormones accompanying pregnancy, such as estrogen, may provide the female brain with protection against neurodegeneration and deposits of APP. The present study will compare concentrations of APP in the brains of parous and nulliparous animals and examine the interaction of APP with estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). Young and aged animals will also be compared to determine any early effects of APP or ERβ. It is proposed that because of the neuroprotective effects of preganacy, the parous animals will have lower concentrations of APP and higher concentrations of ERβ.
Recommended Citation
Victoria, Lindsay W., "Maternal experience and Alzheimer's disease : degenerative differences in the female rat" (2008). Honors Theses. 681.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/681