Current views on the mechanisms of dopaminergic neuron death of the nigrostriatal system in Parkinson's disease
Bertrand, E.; Lechowicz, W.; Szpak, G.M.; Dymecki, J.
Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska 31(2): 295-302
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-3843 PMID: 9380259 Document Number: 469791
Current views on the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease are presented. Studies, particularly those carried out during the last decade, highlight the significance of endogenic processes responsible for a cumulative production of neurotoxic substances, especially free oxygen radicals which exert chronic effect on neurons. In Parkinson's disease, overproduction of free radicals and concomitant failure of protective mechanisms are most likely. An excess of free radicals is cytotoxic because of their very high chemical activity and uncontrolled chain reactions with numerous organic compounds, especially those which are mostly responsible for vital functions of cells. Oxidative stress disturbs metabolism of the cell what finally leads to its death most probably due to damage of cell membrane. That results in increased plasma membrane permeability for calcium ions which activate several subcellular mechanisms and initiate the final phase of cell death. Nonprotein-bound "free" iron ions are the strongest and most dangerous generators of free oxygen radicals. It is thought that ferric (Fe-3+" iron bound to neuromelanin may play a profound role in the overproduction of especially cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals, derivatives of molecular oxygen. Both, oxygen stress inducing factor and the sequence of related biochemical disorders remain still unknown. However, the synergy of the excess of reactive oxygen metabolites (mainly free radicals), nitric oxide, "free" iron ions and neuromelanin may contribute considerably to the generation of oxygen stress.