Two Novel Molecular Approaches to Preventing and Treating Parkinson Disease

Two novel methods have just been reported for possibly preventing or slowing the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra that is seen in Parkinson disease (PD). A team from Chicago found that, with aging, these neurons rely less on sodium channels and more on a specific calcium channel. The calcium channel generates increased oxidative stress and cell death. In vitro, the calcium-channel blocker isradipine encouraged the dopaminergic neurons to preserve their sodium channels as they aged. Isradipine also protected the neurons against damage from a pesticide. Experiments in mice using subcutaneous pellets that slowly released the drug produced the same protection against various toxins, including MPTP — a toxin that produces PD …