| Author/Editor | Sancin, Kristjan; Vincek, Katarina | |
| Title | Vpliv holinergične stimulacije na motorične znake parkinsonizma: poskus z inhibitorjem acetilholinesteraze | |
| Type | monografija | |
| Place | Ljubljana | |
| Publisher | Univerza v Ljubljani, Medicinska fakulteta | |
| Publication year | 2005 | |
| Volume | str. 49 | |
| Language | slo | |
| Abstract | INTRODUCTION. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterised by motor and non-motor impairment. Motor symptoms comprise tremor at rest, bradykinesia, rigidity and disturbance of postural stability. Non-motor symptoms consist of cognitive decline and affective areas as well as autonomic dysfunction and pain. The pathological hallmark of PD is degeneration of the basal ganglia. Loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons results in dopamine deficiency in the striatum and disequilibrium in other neurotransmitter systems. The role of acetylcholine has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both cognitive decline and motor symptoms of parkinsonism. The focus of this study is on cholinergic mechansms of motor impairment. AIM. As in Alzheimer's disease, a profound cortical deficiency of acetylcholine due to degeneration of Meynert's nucleus in the forebrain has been shown to underlie cognitive decline in the course of PD. This has led to tentative trials of cholinomimetic compounds in its treatment. Conversely, the role of acetylcholine in the pathogenesis of parkinsonian motor impairment remains largely unclear. Indirect evidence from the use of anticholinergic compounds in the treatment of PD and animal studies imply a relative hyperactivity of acetylcholine in the striatum of PD patients. Donepezil, a selective centrally acting acetylcholine esterase inhibitor has proved efficient in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Our aim was to investigate the effects of cholinergic stimulation with donepezil on the motor symptoms of PD and thus contribute to our understanding of the role of acetylcholine in their pathogenesis. We also attempted to objectively assess possible effects of increased cholinergic tone on tremor, the symptom most responsive to treatment with anticholinergics. Additionaly we studied the cognitive effects of such treatment. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters) | |
| Descriptors | PARKINSON DISEASE ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS TREMOR COGNITION DISORDERS MOTOR NEURON DISEASE |