Neurotransmitter depleted in Parkinson’s disease: September 2007
## Core Concept
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the depletion of a specific neurotransmitter in the brain, primarily affecting movement control. The underlying pharmacological principle being tested here involves the neurochemistry of movement disorders. **Dopamine** is the key neurotransmitter involved in motor control and is notably depleted in Parkinson's disease.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, **Dopamine**, is right because Parkinson's disease is primarily characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in movement control. This degeneration leads to a significant depletion of dopamine, which is essential for coordinating smooth and controlled movements. The reduction in dopamine levels disrupts the normal functioning of the motor system, leading to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A: Serotonin** - While serotonin is an important neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, appetite, and sleep, it is not primarily associated with the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
- **Option B: Acetylcholine** - Acetylcholine is involved in various functions including muscle contraction, but it is not the neurotransmitter depleted in Parkinson's disease. In fact, the balance between dopamine and acetylcholine is crucial in the basal ganglia for motor control.
- **Option C: Norepinephrine** - Norepinephrine is involved in attention and arousal, among other functions. It is not directly related to the primary pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key clinical pearl to remember is that the primary treatment strategy for Parkinson's disease often involves **dopamine replacement therapy** or mimicking dopamine's effects in the brain, which can include the use of levodopa (a dopamine precursor), dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors. This approach aims to alleviate the motor symptoms by compensating for the depleted dopamine.
## Correct Answer: D. Dopamine