Structure and Function of Neuromelanin

Authors: Shosuke Ito Kazumasa Wakamatsu Luigi Zecca

Publish Date: 2002

Volume: , Issue: , Pages: 269-272

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Abstract

Why is the structure of neuromelanin important It has been known for many years that neuromelanin is present in the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and may be associated with the pathogenesis of nigral cell death in the Parkinson’s disease Recently it was shown that the vulnerability of the dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease is related to their high neuromelanin content in the substantia nigra Dopamine is suggested to be a major precursor of neuromelanin However direct evidence to support this assumption is scarce This lack of knowledge in the structure of neuromelanin hampered studies on its biological function and possible role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease

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