Sex Makes Brain Grow

HD Lighthouse Contributing Editor's Comment:

HD mice living in an enriched enviromnment do much beter than so deprived mice. Now it is discovered that a hormone related to sex can grow new brain cells. It is very likely that HD humans can be helped by this new knowledge.

It is reported that symptomatic humans that become pregnant feel better and do better. Some HD patients have elevated libidos. There is much to learn about hormones and HD.

The idea that environment does not affect the onset and progression of HD is gone forever. There are now many interventions for the HD affected.

The news here is that the hormone prolactin may treat HD. Some may choose to not wait for the pill. --Jerry
Posted to the HDL: 03 Jan 2003

Prolactin
"The mice didn't have to become pregnant for there to be a surge of prolactin and male mice given the hormone also showed an increased production of new brain cells." Professor James C. Cross lead prolactin researcher.

CALGARY -- A hormone stimulated by sex may be used to repair brain damage caused by strokes, suggests breakthrough research at the University of Calgary published today in the prestigious journal Science.

A team of researchers, led by Samuel Weiss with James Cross at the Faculty of Medicine, studied female mice who had recently mated and found the hormone prolactin stimulates the production of new brain cells, called neurogenesis, in a part of the brain responsible for the sense of smell.

The mice didn't have to become pregnant for there to be a surge of prolactin and male mice given the hormone also showed an increased production of new brain cells.

Researchers are exploring if neurogenesis stimulated in one part of the brain can be rerouted to damaged parts to treat stroke victims and those with other brain injuries.

Source: Sun Media 03 Jan 2003

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