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Effect of memantine on CBF and CMRO2 in patients with early Parkinson's disease

P Borghammer1, M Vafaee, K Ostergaard

  • 1PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. per@pet.auh.dk

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|October 12, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Memantine treatment in early Parkinson's disease (PD) reduced cerebral blood flow in the basal ganglia and frontal areas. While oxygen metabolism didn't decrease as predicted, memantine modulated neuronal activity, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Parkinson's disease (PD) is linked to heightened energy metabolism in basal ganglia.
  • N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists like memantine are being investigated for PD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of memantine on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and oxygen metabolism in early-stage PD patients.
  • To test the hypothesis that memantine decreases overactive basal ganglia metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • 10 early-stage PD patients underwent quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) with 15O]water and 15O]oxygen.
  • Scans were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks of 20 mg daily memantine treatment.
  • Data analysis included volume of interest and voxel-based approaches.

Main Results:

  • Memantine treatment led to decreased rCBF in the basal ganglia and frontal cortical areas.
  • Regional cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (rCMRO2) did not decrease in predefined regions; oxygen extraction fraction increased.
  • Voxel-based analysis revealed localized decreases in rCMRO2 near the frontal poles.

Conclusions:

  • Memantine modulates neuronal activity and hemodynamic responses in the basal ganglia of PD patients.
  • The study did not confirm a decrease in basal ganglia oxygen consumption as hypothesized.
  • Findings suggest potential neuroprotective benefits of NMDAR antagonists in PD.

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