Neurotransmitter treatment could improve brain function in Parkinson's
Tuesday 15th November 2011
Eliminating one of the neurotransmitters in the part of the brain associated with Parkinson's disease could improve brain function in patients without any major side-effects, according to a recent study at the University of Western Ontario.
The team used genetic techniques to eliminate the secretion of acetycholine in mice, demonstrating that neurons using the compound were also responsible for secreting the neurotransmitter glutamate.
Elimination of acetycholine secretion had a positive effect on the actions of dopamine, which could lead to better treatments for Parkinson's disease patients.
"We suspect there will be improvement because in Parkinson's disease, in addition to the loss of dopamine, this group of neurons that secrete acetylcholine becomes abnormally hyperactive," said Dr Marco Prado of the university.
A recent study at Cardiff University also found that patients could be trained to control areas of the brain associated with movement, improving motor function using just the power of thinking.
Posted by Alex Franklin Stortford
Related articles
Cancer risk can be increased by snoring
Snoring has been highlighted as an unlikely cause for increasing the risk of cancer, new research has revealed. A team from the...
Monday 21st May 2012
National falls strategy could reduce incidents by...
A strategy between health authorities across the UK could help reduce the problem of falls in the elderly. The NHS Confederation&...
Thursday 10th May 2012
Persistent cough could be a sign of lung cancer
Having a persistent cough could be a sign that a person has lung cancer, according to a new advertising campaign from the...
Tuesday 8th May 2012
Related Hospital-Doctors Jobs
Locum SHO Job in Sussex We are looking for an experienced and registered locum SHO to join a busy orthopaedic department...
Full infoSHO A&E job Essex Our Essex based client is looking to recruit a locum SHO Doctor to join there innovative A&E department....
Full infoSenior House Officer in Paediatric & Neonatal MedicineWell established NHS Hospitals Nationwide require a Senior House Officers...
Full info