More importantly, there are drugs that block the problem...

Neuroendocrinology. 2011;94(4):278-90. Epub 2011 Oct 19.
Blockade of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors reverses stress-induced motor impairments.
Jadavji NM, Supina RD, Metz GA.
Source

Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alta., Canada.
Abstract

Aim: Stress and glucocorticoids can influence movement performance and pathologies of the motor system. The classic notion assumes that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediates the majority of stress-induced behavioral changes. Nevertheless, recent findings have attributed a more prominent role to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in modulating behavior. The purpose of this study was to dissociate the impact of MR versus GR activation in movement and stress-associated motor disruption. Methods: Groups of male and female rats were tested in skilled reaching and open field behavior and treated peri-orally with either agonists or antagonists for MR and GR, respectively. Results: Selective acute activation of MR (aldosterone) and GR (dexamethasone) decreased movement success with a magnitude similar to stress-induced impairment in male and female animals. By contrast, antagonist treatment to block MR (RU-28318) or GR (Mifepristone, RU-486) prevented motor impairments caused by acute restraint stress or corticosterone treatment. Moreover, both antagonists reversed chronic stress- and glucocorticoid-induced motor impairments to values comparable to baseline levels. Higher success rates in treated animals were accompanied by improved performance of skilled limb movements. In addition, combined treatment with MR and GR antagonists had additive benefit on aim and advance towards the reaching target. Conclusion: These observations suggest that MR or GR equally influence motor system function with partially synergistic effects. Males and females show comparable responses to MR and GR activation or blockade. The need for balanced activation of MRs and GRs in motor control requires consideration in intervention strategies to improve performance in health and disease.

Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID:
22024815
[PubMed - in process]

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Merry Christmas

It's long been known that the majority of Americans are deficient in minerals. The human body can manufacture many vitamins from food (or the sun, vitamin D3), but not minerals, we must get those from food. Albeit in minute amounts, they are nonetheless critical to our health.

Does anyone take a balanced mineral supplement and if so, which one and how often? I have read that it is best to take minerals separately from any vitamins you might take, and that it is easy to dangerously overdo minerals as they build up in the body.

I hate to keep bringing her up, but Dr. Wahls talks about this in her book "Minding My Mitochondria". Her recipes are rich in minerals, lots of kelp (iodine) and foods that are high in magnesium (which, incidentally, is particularly important to neural function and which I've read the vast majority of American are deficient in). I wonder just how long a neuron, or any cell, for that matter, can function when it does not have the essential things it needs? Now THAT would be an interesting study!

Does this include freezing? I have just had a huge insight into my particular kind of freezing attacks. Yes, they are stress induced based on my recent experience with former employer. Yet, it goes deeper than that back to my childhood. Let's just say that the Brothers Grimm had it right...there are wicked stepmothers.

Interestingly, my work experience mirrors a childhood relationship dynamic established when my father remarried. My stepmother and her daughter were abusive and my father did nothing to intervene or support me. This can be directly overlaid on main players in my school district who conspired to see me resign. The situation left me feeling vulnerable and helpless like a child all over again, and I put my trust in people who were supposed to help me (lawyer, union pres, and former colleagues) Instead, they either did nothing or not enough or turned blind eye toward. Without going into details, I was a victim of abuse by my stepsister and I was told by my stepmother that if I were to tell my mother or anyone what had happened that she would turn story around so I was the abuser.

Given all this I can easily see now why I have a hyper alert dysfunctional limbic system, why I suppress my emotions, and why I am having a particularly acute stress response originating with losing my job. Does this sound like it could be a PTSD type response? I will see psychiatrist for re-evaluation on January 5th. I am thinking I may need more than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy...also am wondering how much of my freezing is all in my mind.

Apologies for being so personal, but I just want to show how PD is indeed stress related. Maybe some day, researchers will catch on.

Laura

Does this include freezing? I have just had a huge insight into my particular kind of freezing attacks. Yes, they are

I assume that it would do so. Seems ready made for it.

stress induced based on my recent experience with former employer. Yet, it goes deeper than that back to my childhood. Let's just say that the Brothers Grimm had it right...there are wicked stepmothers.

Interestingly, my work experience mirrors a childhood relationship dynamic established when my father remarried. My stepmother and her daughter were abusive and my father did nothing to intervene or support me. This can be directly overlaid on main players in my school district who conspired to see me resign. The situation left me feeling vulnerable and helpless like a child all over again, and I put my trust in people who were supposed to help me (lawyer, union pres, and former colleagues) Instead, they either did nothing or not enough or turned blind eye toward. Without going into details, I was a victim of abuse by my stepsister and I was told by my stepmother that if I were to tell my mother or anyone what had happened that she would turn story around so I was the abuser.

I very much identify with your experience. If a child grows up under such conditions, it would seem likely that he or she would associate stress hormones as the prelude to bad things and would therefore react to them in a particular way. Maybe those of us who have that reaction are the ones whose symptoms are most affected by PD.

Given all this I can easily see now why I have a hyper alert dysfunctional limbic system, why I suppress my emotions, and why I am having a particularly acute stress response originating with losing my job. Does this sound like it could be a PTSD type response? I will see psychiatrist for re-evaluation on January 5th. I am thinking I may need more than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy...also am wondering how much of my freezing is all in my mind.

For those who want to explore self in privacy and at no cost, check out www.emofree.com.

Apologies for being so personal, but I just want to show how PD is indeed stress related. Maybe some day, researchers will catch on.

Laura[/QUOTE]