Parkinsons

Question 1

parkisons is characterized by what?

Answer 1

degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta

Question 2

Most causes of parkisons disease are _____ or ______

Answer 2

idiopathic or spontaneous

Question 3

what are some risk factors for parkinsons disease

Answer 3

• traumatic brain injury
• toxin hypothesis

Question 4

approx _______ to ____ % of cells are lost at the time of diagnosis of parkinsons

Question 5

what is alpha-synuclein

Answer 5

• abundant protein found in NS
• likely helps regulate NT release and proper synaptic vesicle concentrations

Question 6

what is the link of PD and alpha-synuclein

Answer 6

• genetic mutations resulting in too much or poor breakdown of alpha-synuclein linked to families with high rates of PD
• abnormal accumulations of alpha-synuclein protein in neurons in the SNPc of individuals of PD
• accumulating alpha-synuclein = cells die cause its toxic

Question 7

what are the pathological hallmarks of PD are the presence of ?

Answer 7

1. Lewy Bodies
2. Lewy Neurites

Question 8

1. Lewy Bodies:
2. Lewy Neurites:

Answer 8

1. abnormal deposits of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates in the CYTOPLASM OF NEURONS
2. abnormal deposits of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates in the AXON/ DENDRITES

Question 9

how does alpha-synuclein affect lewy bodies ?

Answer 9

altered balance of alpha-synuclein (production vs clearance) may cause the protein to misfold from soluble monomeric forms to insoluble oligomers and fibrils, then aggregating as Lewy Bodies/neurites.

this misfolded protein can induce normal proteins to misfold and the lewy bodies spread

Question 10

how does alpha-synuclein cause neurotoxicity

Answer 10

• mitochondrial dysfunction
• lysosome dysfunction
• impair axon transport
• impact NT release
• Activate glial cells + trigger inflammatory response

Question 11

direct pathway ______ movement what?

Answer 11

facilitates

Question 12

indirect pathway ______ movement what?

Answer 12

inhibits