A protein that exists normally in most of the cells in the brain has
been identified as a possible factor in the development of Parkinson's
disease.
The discovery could point the way to treatments.
In lab experiments, when the brain protein alpha-synuclein combines
with dopamine in nerve cells it can trigger the production of toxic
reactive oxygen molecules that kill the nerves, according to a research
team led by Dr Bruce Yankner of Harvard Medical School.
If this process operates in patients the same way it does in the
laboratory, it could set scientists on the path to potential treatments,
Dr Yankner said.
But it also adds to the debate over whether the current use of dopamine
in the treatment of Parkinson's could make things worse in the long run,
he added.
The findings appear in the journal Nature Medicine.
More than a million Americans are victims of Parkinson's, which causes
muscle stiffness and tremor as neurons in the brain are damaged.
The disease has received widespread attention due to several prominent
patients, including former boxing champion Muhammad Ali and actor Michael
Fox. The Pope is also believed to be suffering from the disease.
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