BIOM30002 Lecture 32: Lecture 32 – Parkinson’s disease 1
27 Jul 2018
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Document Summary
Cell loss and protein aggregates are common feature in the pathology of age-related neurodegenerative disease. In parkinson"s we have lewy bodies induced by alpha-synuclein (protein aggregate) The majority of pd is idiopathic suggested mediators inclue: toxins such as pesticides, metals, recreational drugs, mptp. Inherited as either autosomal dominant or recessive: a number of disease causing genes identified. Pd is characterised by severe loss of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons in the mid brain, and there is reduced pigmentation within the substantia nigra. Located within midbrain and forms a part of the basal ganglia. Basal ganglia = collection of nuclei located within white matter of cerebral cortex composed of striatum (putamen and caudate nucleus), globus pallidus, substansia nigra and subthalamic nuclei. Substantia nigra has 2 parts pars compacta (large pigmented neurons with neuromelanin) and pars reticulate (unpigmented neurons) Functions of sn: controls voluntary movement, produces the neurotransmitter dopamine, dopamine regulates mood. Sn innervates (connects) via dopaminergic neurons, into the striatum.
