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Zebrafish study paves way to new treatments for Parkinson’s
Researchers found that dopamine-producing nerve cells in zebrafish are constantly being replaced by dedicated stem cells in the brain.
Species has a much higher capacity to regenerate nerve cells

New insights gained from studies into zebrafish could pave the way to new treatments for Parkinson’s disease.

Writing in the Journal of Neuroscience, scientists reveal how key brain cells that are damaged in people with Parkinson’s can be regenerated.

Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain. These nerve cells are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine.

When the cells die, the loss of dopamine can cause body movements to become slow and abnormal. Once the cells have been lost from the human brain, they cannot be replaced or repaired.

In the study, researchers found that dopamine-producing nerve cells in zebrafish are constantly being replaced by dedicated stem cells in the brain.

The researchers found the immune system plays a vital part in this process. In some parts of a zebrafish’s brain, however, the process does not work.

Understanding the immune signals that make replacement of these nerve cells could hold clues to developing treatments for humans, the scientists said.

“We were excited to find that zebrafish have a much higher regenerative capacity for dopamine neurons than humans,” said Dr Thomas Becker, of the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences.

“Understanding the signals that underpin regeneration of these nerve cells could be important for identifying future treatments for Parkinson’s disease.”

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

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BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.