The Role of Axonopathy in Parkinson's Disease.

Author: Karen L O'MALLEY ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA. omalleyk@wustl.edu
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: axon transport; mitochondria; Wallerian degeneration; MPTP
MeSH: 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; Axons; Disease Progression; Mitochondria; Parkinson Disease; Wallerian Degeneration
From:Experimental Neurobiology 2010;19(3):115-119
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: New genetic and environmental studies of Parkinson's disease have revealed early problems in synaptic function and connectivity indicating that axonal impairment may be an important hallmark in this disorder. Since many studies suggest that axonal dysfunction precedes cell body loss, it is critical to target axons with treatments aimed at preserving "connectivity" as well as to develop and verify "biomarkers" with which to assess disease progression and drug efficacy.