Posted on 02/10/2011 7:29:33 PM PST by decimon
nvestigators Build a Case Linking Chemical DOPAL to Illness
In new research from Saint Louis University, investigators have found evidence that a toxin produced by the brain is responsible for the series of cellular events that lead to Parkinson's disease. The study, published in PLoS One, found that the brain toxin DOPAL plays a key role in killing the dopamine neurons which trigger the illness.
In earlier research, Saint Louis University investigators found that DOPAL seemed to be responsible for killing healthy dopamine cells, which in turn causes Parkinson disease to develop. Now, research in an animal model gives them further reason to suspect the chemical as the culprit.
Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative movement disorder, affecting 2 percent of individuals older than age 65 and 4 to 5 percent older than 85 years. The disorder is due to a loss of dopamine neurons and is characterized by bradykinesia and tremors while at rest.
Dopamine, a vital chemical that allows for coordinated function of neurons controlling the body's muscles and movements, is produced by nerve cells in the substantia nigra. When 80 percent of these cells die or become damaged, symptoms of Parkinson's disease begin to appear, including tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity and stiffness, and difficulty with balance.
Ping
“The study, published in PLoS One, found that the brain toxin DOPAL plays a key role in killing the dopamine neurons which trigger the illness.”
Don’t tell the EPA, they will want to put a ban on brains.
Thanks for posting. Health/life BUMP!
I recall reading of some very bad “designer drug” on the Left Coast that was producing Parkinsons-like symptoms that didn’t seem to wane over time. Possibly this toxin was accidentally produced?
I'm really in over my head here but I believe that some drugs deliver their high in affecting dopamine levels.
I read something pertaining to cocaine producing a horrible crash because it depleted the person’s dopamine stores. That was a long time ago, though.
Maybe that's it. I'm too lazy and it's too late to do a search.
read later
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.