Basal Ganglia

Question 1

Substantia Nigra in PD

Answer 1

Loss of neurons in the substantia nigra, loss of dopaminergic neurons and dopaminergic input to the caudate and putamen.

Question 2

MPTP (drug made to imitate heroin)
(Used to induce PD in animals)

Answer 2

causes Substantia nigra degeneration and Parkinsons Symptoms.

Question 3

Dopamine in Schizophrenia

Answer 3

• too much dopamine in frontal lobes
• neuroleptics - dopamine receptor blockers were used as treatment,– Long term use could result in movement disorders: tardive dyskinesia or tardive dystonia. Not reversible.

Question 4

Schizophrenia (new drugs)

Answer 4

• atypical antipsychotics, designed to affect only subsets of dopamine receptors, those in the cortex for schizophrenia and not those in the stratum for movement. (does not cause tar dive dyskinesia)

Question 5

Tourettes Syndrome

Answer 5

• Tic disorder
• too much dopa in motor pathways (serotonin and norepinephrine may be involved too)
• Treated with dopamine receptor blockers

Question 6

Restless leg syndrome (RLS)

Answer 6

• uncomfortable leg sensations, relieved when moved.
• assumed basal ganglia/dopamine disorder
• treated with dopaminergic drugs and dopamine precursors.

Question 7

Cocaine

Answer 7

increases dopamine levels by blocking the dopamine transporter.
- dopamine is terminated by its reuptake, by a transporter.
-SSRI’s for depression

Question 8

Huntingtons Disease

Answer 8

NOT A DOPAMINE DISORDER - degeneration of cells in striatum

Question 9

Progressive supra nuclear palsy (similar to PD)

Answer 9

loss of cells in the substantia nigra
- NONresponsive to dopaminergic drugs