Nigrostriatal function in humans studied with positron emission tomography

摘要: The dopamine depletion that is characteristic of Parkinson's disease has been hypothesized to result from the combination environmentally induced subclinical damage substantia nigra and age-related loss additional nigral neurons. Essential this hypothesis existence deteriorating function in nigrostriatal pathway with advancing age. present study was undertaken [18F]6-fluoro-L-dopa positron emission tomography determine vivo effects age on a series 10 asymptomatic subjects (age range, 22-80 years; mean, 49.8 years). A graphical approach used analysis multiple-time tracer-uptake data establish presence compartment unidirectional uptake calculate rate constant, K, for blood striatum during steady-state, an index functional integrity nerve endings. There significant linear relationship between K (r = 0.80, p less than 0.005) decrease 53.3% over range studied. These results demonstrate application transfer model provide confirmation impairment function.