Lecture 6: Parkinsons Disease Flashcards
Which pathway of the basal ganglia is primarily affected by Parkinson’s disease?
The dopaminergic pathway between the substantia nigra pars compacta and the corpus striatum.
Does Parkinson’s disease have an increased prevalence in men or women?
Men.
When Parkinson’s develops, does it affect both sides of the body?
Starts off unilateral and develops to bilateral impairment.
What percentage of nigral neurons are lost before motor impairments begin?
60%!
What are the four dopamine pathways of the brain?
- Nigrostriatal pathway
- Mesolimbic pathway
- Mesocortical pathway
- Tuberohypophyseal pathway
Which dopamine pathway is responsible for endocrine control?
The tuberohypophyseal pathway. Involves a group of neurons projecting from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland to regulate secretions.
Which two dopamine pathways are responsible for emotional behaviour?
Mesolimbic pathway and mesocortical pathway.
Which hormone is synthesised from dopamine?
Adrenaline (dopamine -> noradrenaline -> adrenaline)
What kind of receptors are dopamine receptors?
G-protein coupled receptors.
How many different dopamine receptors have been identified?
Five. (D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5)
In Parkinson’s disease, what other dysfunctions arise in the Substantia nigra, other than depletion of dopaminergic neurons?
Mitochondrial dysfunction, Microgliosis and Lewy Bodies.
In Parkinson’s disease, where is it proposed that Lewy bodies are first deposited?
In the olfactory bulb.
How common is Parkinson’s disease?
It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease.
What are the non-movement related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Cognitive defects, loss of sense of smell and autonomic dysfunction.
What is the primary treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
Levodopa drug.
