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Manganese: brain transport and emerging research needs
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, and Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. maschner@wfubmc.edu
Environmental Health Perspectives
|June 15, 2000
Summary
Manganese (Mn) exposure is linked to Parkinson's-like symptoms, but its role in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) is unclear. Research is needed to evaluate long-term risks from fuel additive MMT and Mn transport in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder affecting 2% of Americans over 65.
- The etiology of IPD remains elusive, though industrial chemicals and pesticides are suspected.
- Manganese (Mn) intoxication (manganism) presents neurological symptoms similar to IPD, but key differences exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review manganese speciation and transport kinetics into the central nervous system.
- To outline potential population susceptibility to manganese exposure.
- To address future research needs regarding manganese's role in IPD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on manganese toxicology and IPD.
- Analysis of manganese speciation in blood and brain transport.
- Evaluation of environmental modeling studies on MMT combustion products.
Main Results:
- Neurological signs of manganism resemble extrapyramidal motor dysfunction, including IPD.
- Distinct differences between IPD and manganism are established.
- Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is used as a fuel additive; its long-term health impact is unevaluated.
- Airborne Mn levels in MMT-using areas are similar to non-using areas.
- Vehicle emissions contain Mn primarily as manganese phosphate and sulfate.
Conclusions:
- The etiological role of manganese in IPD requires further investigation.
- Understanding Mn transport into the brain and population susceptibility is crucial.
- Long-term effects of MMT combustion products on public health warrant comprehensive evaluation.