Receptor May Treat Parkinson's Disease

Scientists have discovered that inhibiting a receptor in the central nervous system (CNS) may provide a therapeutic effect in patients with Parkinson's disease. The finding was presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Neuroscience in Washington (DC, USA) in November 2005.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic disease of the CNS in which dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra degenerate and die. These neurons use dopamine to allow a smooth, coordinated movement of the body. Current therapies can ease symptoms but none can slow or reverse the disease's progression.

The new research was conducted by scientists at Biogen Idec (Cambridge, MA, USA) in collaboration with scientists at Yale University (New Haven, CT, USA) who discovered the NgR1 receptor. Biogen has an agreement with Yale to develop therapies based on the discovery.

Working with an experimental model of Parkinson's, the researchers found that inhibiting the NgR1 pathway promotes dopaminergic cell survival in the substantia nigra, increases dopamine levels, and improves behavioral response. NgR1 is a receptor for three proteins found in myelin, the insulating substance that ensheathes axons. These proteins may inhibit growth and may prevent nerve regeneration after injury.

"These new findings suggest molecular links between nerve fiber degeneration and regeneration, and emphasize the role of axons in neurodegenerative disease,” said Stephen M. Strittmatter, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neurology, Yale University.





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