I quote the following from the paper:
"
The idea that dopamine contributes to the death of neurons may seem paradoxical, since most
Parkinson's patients take L-DOPA to increase the amount of dopamine inside the cells.
The new study shows that it's the location of the dopamine inside the neurons that determines its toxicity.
Most of dopamine inside the neurons is packaged into compartments that are shipped to the edge of the cell where the dopamine is released. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's arise when the amount of dopamine released by the cells declines. L-DOPA improves symptoms by boosting the amount of dopamine released by the cells. As long as dopamine is confined inside the compartments before it is released, it is safe.
New Idea for Treatment
A better treatment, the researchers say, may be to push more dopamine into the compartments where it has no toxic effect on the cell.
"
This is saying it plainly the present treatment with L-dopa is increasing Dopamine in the wrong place inside the cells which not only reduces its effectiveness but also accelerate the cell death.
Imad
Quote:
Originally Posted by paula_w
Parkinson's: Neurons destroyed by 3 simultaneous strikes
April 29, 2009
In a study that reveals the clearest picture to date of neuron death in Parkinson's disease, researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that a trio of culprits acting in concert is responsible for killing the brain cells.
http://www.physorg.com/news160228509.html
Love that last sentence -- at least it's true instead of we'll have it in five years.
" Drs. Sulzer and Mosharov are currently working on genetic therapies that could accomplish this feat, but caution that it will be years before any such treatment is ready for clinical trials, if ever."
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