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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by dessbee on January 3, 2007, at 17:08:25
Moderate alcohol consumption over a relatively long period of time can enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
cheers
Posted by TENMAN on January 3, 2007, at 18:51:33
In reply to Alcohol enhances neurogenesis, posted by dessbee on January 3, 2007, at 17:08:25
Interesting. The abstract said the mice had BAC levels of .24% after they were studied. That doesn't seem moderate to me at all.
I wonder what the mechanism for this is? Simply protection from a neurotoxic substance? Or is it related to NMDA antagonism or another pathway? Thanks for posting this desbee.
Ten
Posted by nolvas on January 4, 2007, at 2:24:32
In reply to Re: Alcohol enhances neurogenesis, posted by TENMAN on January 3, 2007, at 18:51:33
Some additional information about the Dentate Gyrus, mentions depression
The dentate gyrus is also one of the few regions of the brain where neurogenesis takes place. Neurogenesis is thought to play a role in the formation of new memories. It has also been found to increase in response to both antidepressants and physical exercise. Conversely, endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids such as cortisol inhibit neurogenesis. Both endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids are known to cause psychosis and depression, implying that neurogenesis may improve symptoms of depression.
Source Wikipedia - Dentate Gyrus
Posted by dessbee on January 4, 2007, at 8:19:36
In reply to Re: Alcohol enhances neurogenesis, posted by nolvas on January 4, 2007, at 2:24:32
Alcohol increases release of serotonin and dopamine in CNS. Dopamine increases in reward centers of the brain (the ventral tegmental area).
Alcohol enhances GABA-mediated responses. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and the GABA receptor is an important site of action for benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
Ethanol enhances growth factor activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism
Alcohol enhances the conversion of dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA) to PGE1 but it blocks the activity of the delta-6-desaturase, an enzyme necessary for replenishment of DGLA stores from dietary precursors. The acute effect of ethanol is therefore an increased production of PGE1 but chronic consumption will lead to depletion of DGLA and PGE1. To avoid depletion it's necessary to drink moderately.
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro00/web1/Kim.htmlhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1701092&dopt=Abstract
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=42388
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6253773&dopt=Citation
Posted by dessbee on January 4, 2007, at 10:57:57
In reply to Re: Alcohol enhances neurogenesis, posted by dessbee on January 4, 2007, at 8:19:36
One to two drinks a day results in lowest risk for cardiovascular disease.
Drinkers who consumed less than one drink every two to three days did not have lower risk than non-drinkers.
Three or more drinks a day increases blood pressure.
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press01012007.html
Posted by linkadge on January 5, 2007, at 16:38:08
In reply to Re: Moderate = One to two drinks, posted by dessbee on January 4, 2007, at 10:57:57
This doesn't mean it could not simultainiously be neurotoxic.
There are some studies that suggest that alchohol is neurotoxic.
Considering both, is it possable that alchohol enhances neurogenesis while still being neurotoxic to other brain cells?
This would be important to know, as other brain cells are not as easily replaced as those in the DG.
Linkadge
Posted by dessbee on January 9, 2007, at 6:22:55
In reply to Re: Moderate = One to two drinks, posted by linkadge on January 5, 2007, at 16:38:08
I think the biggest risk with regular moderate alcohol consumption is the risk of addiction, causing high intake.
Moderate drinking has been shown to improve life expectancy.
It is also important to know that many symptoms of alcoholism is not caused by ethanol itself but by poor diet, especially B-vitamin deficiency.
This is the end of the thread.
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