I am confused now over scientific method. Do we have physical examples of the tight junction theory within PWP or Alzheimer's? Is this done upon autopsy?

I thought in scientific research we start with an idea or theory; becomes a hypothesis or many hypotheses; we test them with scientific measure...only then after we have evidence does the theory become codified in print within a book. Aren't some key research pieces substantiating the theory (after the fact, not supporting it) essential?

Maybe i am missing something; it just seems like a rather large leap is being made over the method. Not that I am at all questioning theory. Anyone wondering this too?

Laura

Hi Laura,
I asked a research team whether there was a way of measureing the permeability of the BBB while the person was still living! The answer was yes.
In the PDONline paper,see

http://www.pdonlineresearch.org/resp...ain-barrier-pd

I proposed a simple experiment to confirm the theory.

" In a communication with Prof. Al Lossinsky, he confirmed that BBB permeability can be measured in a living person, stating,

]“Yes, there are methods available in the clinic to measure BBB leakage in humans. The person would be given special radio-opaque tracers into their blood and any increased permeability would be measured in special scanners."

Therefore, the BBB permeability should be measured in a group of PD patients with a spectrum of progression, from slight to severe.

If a correlation can be established, ie if the slight person is close to the permeability of a normal person , then increasing severity of symptoms shows an increasing permeability figure, this will be a massive step foreward.

A simple measurement of the permeability would confirm the PD diagnosis or otherwise.

New drugs or treatments could be evaluated simply and cheaply by their ability to show a reduction in permeability, by the time and level of reduction.

A reduction in permeability to that below the threshold of dopamine leakage would constitute a cure."[/COLOR]

This would be a fairly inexpensive experiment, and look at the information it would give.
Ron

Ron,

You write,

"A reduction in permeability to that below the threshold of dopamine leakage would constitute a cure."

A reduction in permeability would be nice, but in the meantime can we not find a way to make permeability work in our favour?

If I understand your theory correctly, PwP leak dopamine, with those most severely affected leaking the most.

Do you propose the leakage is in both directions?

If so, and if the cardiovascular impact of dopamine can be dealt with safely, the theory would suggest that taking dopamine orally would get dopamine into the brain, leading to a reduction of symptoms, especially so for those most severely affected. Eventually the in-flows to the brain would equal the out-flows, and concentrations would stabilize. Unfortunately, this could be before normal levels are reached.

Or, even more simply, the theory suggests that eating a banana should give some relief.

John

Hello Johnt,
We can manipulate the permeability of the BBB to some extent
using the substances mentioned above. Those drugs that widen the permeability (stress and growing old also,), cause a worsening of symptoms. Those materials that reduce the permeability will improve symptoms.
However, the change in permeability will only be temporary while the drugs are present.
In the case where the permeability is above the threshold, dopamine can leak in both directions until equilibrium is established.
The dopamine would only go through the BBB where the person has PD and their BBB permeability is above the threshold value.
Since Prof Al Lossinsky has confirmed that it is possible to measure the permeability without waiting for the patient to die!! there are several intriguing experiments you could do.
In a group of PWP's with a spectrum of years since diagnosis, say from 2 years to over 20 years, and measure their permeability. They must all be in a steady state, no food or meds for say 3 hours. Then plot a graph of years since diagnosis against permeability, and see whether you get essentially a straight line graph. Take alpha lipoic acid, curcumin etc and measure the effect on permeability.This would give a league table showing the best (and worst ) supplements. Determine the level of permeability at the threshold value, etc.
Plenty of Ph.D topics!!
Ron