Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026
16:57
MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry of Neuropeptides in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: February 14, 2012
28.9K
Serotonin in Parkinson's disease.
Marios Politis1, Flavia Niccolini1
1Neurodegeneration Imaging Group, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, United Kingdom; Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
Behavioural Brain Research
|August 3, 2014
Summary
Serotonergic dysfunction contributes to Parkinson's disease symptoms. This review examines human studies using PET imaging to understand the role of the serotonergic system in Parkinson's disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily known for motor deficits.
- Non-motor symptoms like fatigue, depression, and dementia significantly impact patient quality of life.
- While dopaminergic loss is central to PD pathology, other neurotransmitter systems, including the serotonergic system, are also affected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on serotonergic pathology in Parkinson's disease.
- To explore the association between serotonergic dysfunction and the development of clinical symptoms in PD.
- To focus on in vivo human studies utilizing positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of in vivo human studies.
- Emphasis on positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging research.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a progressive, non-linear loss of serotonergic terminals in Parkinson's disease, occurring at a slower rate than dopaminergic loss.
- Serotonergic dysfunction is linked to both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.
- PET imaging studies provide crucial in vivo insights into serotonergic system changes.
Conclusions:
- The serotonergic system plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease.
- Understanding serotonergic pathology is vital for comprehending the full spectrum of PD symptoms.
- Further research using molecular imaging can elucidate therapeutic targets within the serotonergic system.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
16
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, with additional non-motor features. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and cellular dysfunction, including dopaminergic neuron loss, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial impairment.Selective NeurodegenerationA key feature is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduced...
16
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
1.4K
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
1.4K
01:24Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
17
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Patients may notice hand tremors at rest, stiffness during movement, or a shuffling gait. In addition to motor features, non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbances, mood and behavioral changes, constipation, and cognitive impairment, all of...
17
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
2.2K
Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is...
2.2K
01:11Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
25
Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
25
01:37Neural Regulation
34.6K
Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
34.6K