Vesicular integrity in Parkinson's disease

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2013 Jul;13(7):362. doi: 10.1007/s11910-013-0362-3.

Abstract

The defining motor characteristics of Parkinson's disease (PD) are mediated by the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). Dopamine molecules spend most of their lifespan stored in intracellular vesicles awaiting release and very little time in the extracellular space or the cytosol. Without proper packaging of transmitter and trafficking of vesicles to the active zone, dopamine neurotransmission cannot occur. In the cytosol, dopamine is readily oxidized; excessive cytosolic dopamine oxidation may be pathogenic to nigral neurons in PD. Thus, factors that disrupt vesicular function may impair signaling and increase the vulnerability of dopamine neurons. This review outlines the many mechanisms by which disruption of vesicular function may contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. From direct inhibition of dopamine transport into vesicles by pharmacological or toxicological agents to alterations in vesicle trafficking by PD-related gene products, variations in the proper compartmentalization of dopamine can wreak havoc on a functional dopamine pathway. Findings from patient populations, imaging studies, transgenic models, and mechanistic studies will be presented to document the relationship between impaired vesicular function and vulnerability of the nigrostriatal dopamine system. Given the deleterious effects of impaired vesicular function, strategies aimed at enhancing vesicular function may be beneficial in the treatment of PD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / drug effects
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological
  • Parkinson Disease / blood
  • Parkinson Disease / genetics
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Vesicles / drug effects
  • Synaptic Vesicles / metabolism*
  • Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins / blood
  • Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins