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Published on: January 18, 2021
Pathophysiology of parkinsonism
Adriana Galvan1, Thomas Wichmann
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Division of Sensorimotor Systems, Yerkes National Primate Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States.
Summary
Parkinson's disease motor symptoms stem from dopamine loss in the basal ganglia. Electrophysiologic changes in brain networks reveal parkinsonism as a complex disorder, guiding new treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Movement Disorders
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) motor signs are primarily linked to dopamine reduction in the basal ganglia.
- Dopamine loss in the basal ganglia has known functional and anatomical consequences in related brain areas.
- Understanding these changes is key to linking dopamine neuron degeneration to parkinsonism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review electrophysiologic changes in basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex associated with parkinsonism.
- To elucidate the network-level dysfunction underlying Parkinson's disease motor symptoms.
- To inform the development of targeted symptomatic treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on electrophysiologic alterations in Parkinson's disease.
- Analysis of functional and anatomical consequences of dopamine depletion in basal ganglia and connected regions.
- Synthesis of evidence implicating specific electrophysiologic changes in parkinsonism.
Main Results:
- Parkinsonism is characterized by altered neuronal discharge rates, increased burst firing, and enhanced synchrony.
- Oscillatory activity and sensorimotor processing are significantly affected in basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex.
- Abnormal basal ganglia activity impacts cortical excitability, synchrony, and sensory responses.
Conclusions:
- Parkinsonism is a complex network disorder, not solely a basal ganglia issue.
- Dysfunctional basal ganglia neuronal activity profoundly influences cortical areas involved in motor control and other functions.
- Detailed understanding of these network changes is crucial for advancing symptomatic treatments for Parkinson's disease.
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