Thanks, Thelma. This is extremely interesting.

I had read last year that opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore may be involved in apoptosis of neurons leading to PD, but there was no mention of pramipexole or that the R(+) isomer has selective pore-closing activity.

It is especially interesting in view of the previous claims of neuroprotection for the dopamine agonist form, the R(-) isomer (Mirapex). Maybe a mixture of the two forms would have even greater neuroprotective effect, while maintaining the dopamine agonist activity!

(p.s. I had to edit this posting to get the +/- signs of the isomers right!)