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Advances in the Neuropharmacology of Parkinsonism
- DONALD B. CALNE, D.M.;
- JOHN KEBABIAN, Ph.D.;
- ELLEN SILBERGELD, Ph.D.; and
- EDWARD EVARTS, M.D.
Abstract
Advances through basic research have elucidated the disturbances of neurotransmitter function in Parkinson's disease, with findings directly applicable to drug therapy. Dopamine has replaced acetylcholine and norepinephrine as the most studied neurotransmitter, with both conceptual and practical developments, exemplified by the hypothesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate as a "second messenger," and new therapeutic agents. We now have rationally designed in-vitro and in-vivo tests for the evaluation of dopaminergic compounds instead of entirely empiric screening procedures. We are starting to identify different categories of dopaminergic receptors and to manipulate them selectively, with gains in understanding the physiologic input to the striatum. Crucial questions remain, including how dopamine modulates striatal output and what causes the parkinsonian degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway. Developing knowledge on synaptic physiology and pharmacology may lead to better therapy.
Article and Author Information
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▸An edited transcription of a Combined Clinical Staff Conference at the Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, 17 November 1977, by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
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▸Authors who wish to cite a section of this conference and specifically indicate its author can use this example for the form of reference:
KEBABIAN J: Biochemical neuropharmacology of parkinsonism, pp. 219-223 in CALNE DB (moderator): Advances in the neuropharmacology of parkinsonism. Ann Intern Med 90:219-229, 1979
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Donald B. Calne, D.M.; Experimental Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, Building 10, Room 6D20, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD 20014
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- Received October 27, 1978.
- Accepted November 14, 1978.
