Enhancement of Dopaminergic Neurotoxicity by the Mercapurate of Dopamine: Relevance to Parkinson's Disease

PI: Doyle Graham
Vanderbilt University

Background: The mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease are not completely known but are thought to involve destruction of dopamine and related neurotransmitters through oxidation. This paper suggests that a group of compounds produced in the mercapturic acid pathway known as catechol thioethers may kill dopamine producing cells in the brain. Results from an in vitro assay system show increased apoptosis or programmed cell death when cells were cultured with dopamine and catechol thioethers at physiologic levels. These results suggest that mercapturate metabolism may yield products that increase dopamine dependent neurodegeneration.

Citation: J. Zhang, V. Kratzov; V. Amarnath, M.J. Picklo, D.G. Graham, and T.J. Montine. Journal of Neurochemistry, 74(3): 970-978.