ABSTRACT
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the loss of dopamine neurons in the pars compacta region of the substantia nigra (1,2). These neurons send out fibers, which extensively innervate neurons in the basal ganglia, especially in the caudate and putamen, and modulate basal ganglia activity via synaptic release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Extensive loss of dopamine innervation in the caudate and putamen is required before the cardinal features of PD are observed; these include bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability, and disturbances in balance and tremor (2). Thus, an effective treatment for PD should involve an approach to prevent and/or slow degeneration of dopamine neurons and their processes. In addition, drug treatments that promote the restoration and regeneration of damaged or dying dopamine neurons would be of significant benefit.
