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Excitotoxic Mechanisms in Non-Motor Dysfunctions and Levodopa- Induced Dyskinesia in Parkinson's Disease: The Role of the Interaction Between the Dopaminergic and the Kynurenine System

[ Vol. 23 , Issue. 9 ]

Author(s):

Zsófia Majláth, József Toldi, Ferenc Fülöp and László Vécsei   Pages 874 - 883 ( 10 )

Abstract:


Parkinson’s disease is a common progressive neurodegenerative disorder presenting with characteristic motor symptoms. Non-motor dysfunctions and therapyrelated complications frequently develop, but are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Levodopa- induced dyskinesia and impulse control disorders are suggested to share pathophysiological processes and m a y be related to alterations of the glutamatergic neurotransmission. Anti- glutamatergic interventions are therefore worth considering: several lines of evidence already indicate their beneficial effect. The kynurenine pathway offers the endogenous glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid, which may act as a promising candidate for future drug development with the aim of assessment of the motor symptoms and therapy-related complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Keywords:

Parkinson’s disease, kynurenic acid, neuroprotection, NMDA receptor, glutamate, levodopa-induced dyskinesia, excitotoxicity.

Affiliation:

, , , Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u.6, H-6725, Szeged Hungary; and MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and University of Szeged, Semmelweis u.6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary.



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