Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Functional Neuroimaging Using Ultrasonic Blood-brain Barrier Disruption and Manganese-enhanced MRI
Published on: July 12, 2012
Manganese intoxication
1Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul.
Abstract:
Manganese plays an important role as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in humans but in excess amounts can cause irreversible nervous system damage. Although manganism is a rare condition, it can be the cause of complex nervous system symptoms, especially in the setting of environmental exposure. Specifically, manganese is a well-known cause of dystonic parkinsonism. This article highlights several historical descriptions of the clinical manifestations, pathological changes, and attempted therapeutic intervention in manganese intoxication.
Insights
Excess manganese causes irreversible nervous system damage, leading to manganism and complex neurological symptoms like dystonic parkinsonism, particularly with environmental exposure. This review covers historical cases, pathology, and treatments for manganese intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Manganese is an essential trace element, acting as a cofactor in numerous human enzymatic reactions.
- However, excessive manganese exposure can lead to severe, irreversible neurological damage.
Observation:
- Manganism, though rare, presents with complex nervous system symptoms.
- Environmental exposure is a significant risk factor for manganese intoxication.
- Manganese is a recognized cause of dystonic parkinsonism.
Findings:
- This article reviews historical clinical manifestations of manganese intoxication.
- It details the pathological changes associated with excessive manganese exposure.
- The review also discusses historical attempts at therapeutic interventions for manganese toxicity.
Implications:
- Understanding historical cases of manganism is crucial for diagnosing and managing current environmental exposures.
- Recognizing manganese-induced dystonic parkinsonism aids in differential diagnosis of movement disorders.
- Historical data informs ongoing research into the neurotoxic mechanisms and potential treatments for manganese intoxication.
More Related Videos
04:48Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))
Published on: May 4, 2020
09:02Manganese Oxide Nanoparticle Synthesis by Thermal Decomposition of Manganese(II) Acetylacetonate
Published on: June 18, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Antidotes
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
Vitamins
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Acid Mine Drainage