Parkinson disease affects 2-4% of individuals over 65 years. 85-90% of cases are sporadic, 10-15% have family history. Disease results from progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. At least eleven genes implicated in various forms of Parkinson disease
L-DOPA is produced from amino acid l-tyrosine by tyrosine hydroxylase. It serves as precursor to neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Acts as neurotrophic factor release by brain and CNS. Forms betalain pigments in some plant families
Substantia nigra is a basal ganglia structure located in midbrain. Divided into pars compacta (SNpc) and pars reticulata (SNpr). Pars reticulata contains GABAergic neurons firing at 25 Hz. Humans have two substantia nigrae on each side of midline
Born in Edmonton in 1961, Fox started acting at age 16. Gained fame as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties (1982-1989). Starred in Back to the Future trilogy (1985-1990). Won five Emmys, four Golden Globes, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards
Hypokinesia is decreased bodily movement due to basal ganglia disruption. Leadpipe rigidity shows sustained resistance throughout range of motion. Cogwheel rigidity presents jerky resistance with muscle tension. Spasticity occurs only at movement start, rate-dependent
Dopamine antagonists block dopamine receptors to treat various disorders. Dopamine receptors are G protein-coupled and divided into D1 and D2 classes. D1 receptors are found post-synaptically in brain regions and kidneys. D2 receptors are found both pre- and post-synaptically in various brain areas