Work

Atrophy of medium spiny I striatal dendrites in advanced Parkinson's disease

Year: 1988

Type: article

Abstract: Loss of dopaminergic neurons from the pars compacta of the substantia nigra is the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) and results in a partial deafferentation to the striatum. Since deafferentation is known to induce transynaptic atrophy of postsynaptic cells, we examined by Golgi impregnation the morphology of medium spiny I (MSI) striatal neurons, the principal target population for both nigrostriatal and corticostriatal fibers. Our quantitative data indicate that the dendritic arbor of MSI neurons in the putamen is significantly reduced in both length and number and MSI neurons are morphologically characterized by truncated dendrites with few dendritic spines and irregular, bulbous swellings. These data provide morphological evidence for the atrophy of striatal dendrites in PD and may explain, in part, the declining efficacy of chronic L-DOPA replacement therapy in advanced PD.

Source: Brain Research

DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(88)90124-2

Authors: Thomas H. McNeill, Sally A. Brown, Jose A. Rafols, Ira Shoulson

Institutions: University of Rochester Medicine, University of Rochester, Wayne State University

Language: English

Topic: Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments

Subfield: Clinical Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,360