Researchers discovered how neurotransmitter adenosine might serve as a dopamine brake, as noted by SciTechDaily. Such a discovery may lead to further drug development in combating Parkinson's Disease.
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Adenosine: A Key Neurotransmitter
The study was included in the Nature publication. According to Haining Zhong, Ph.D., senior study author, and scientist at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Vollum Institute, two neuronal circuits are present. One of these circuits enables action while the other inhibits it.
Zhong notes how the neurotransmitter dopamine pushes the first circuit to be active, while neurotransmitter adenosine is a "brake" that pushes the second circuit. This leads to balance within the system.
Such a discovery can propose new drug development opportunities to further the treatment of Parkinson's symptoms.
For a long time, specialists have suspected how a conflicting neuronal signal dynamic impacts dopamine within the striatum, a crucial brain region that regulates movement, motivation, learning, and reward. Such a brain part is also the area primarily affected by Parkinson's disease because of the loss of cells that come up with dopamine.
Tianyi Mao, Ph.D., one of the authors and scientists from Vollum, expresses how a push and pull system has been a long-standing suspicion of many.
Through this study, the researchers could clearly and conclusively show, for the first time, how adenosine acts in opposition to dopamine. As part of the study, the researchers studied certain mice models and used protein probes that are novel, genetically modified, and recently built in the Zhong and Mao labs. Through this, they were able to discover the role of adenosine.
Parkinson's Disease
According to Mayo Clinic, Parkinson's disease is a progressing condition that impacts the nervous system and other body parts regulated by nerves.
Symptoms of the condition gradually appear. The first could be an inconspicuous hand tremor on just one side. While tremors are common symptoms, the said disorder may also lead to slowness and stiffness. Other than that, individuals with Parkinson's disease may also experience muscle rigidity, impairments in balance and posture, alterations or slurring of speech, loss of automatic movements, and changes in writing.
Such symptoms may vary from case to case. They often start occurring at one particular body side. Usually, such symptoms stay worse on such a side, even if limbs from the other side also start getting affected.
There is still no cure for Parkinson's disease. However, symptoms can still be managed through proper medication and care. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to regulate particular brain regions and alleviate symptoms.
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