There is still no cure for Parkinson’s. However, a new study gives hope for a therapeutic approach in which dead nerve cells in the brain are to be replaced by new ones. Tests on mice proved successful: the regenerated brain tissue guaranteed permanent freedom from symptoms.
In Parkinson’s, brain cells die
The tremor that is typical of Parkinson’s neurogenerative disease arises due to the death of nerve cells in a specific region of the brain. The so-called substantia nigra is responsible, among other things, for movements and muscle coordination. In addition to the trembling of the limbs, the breakdown of these dopamine-producing brain cells also leads to stiff muscles, slowed movements and pain in those affected. It can also lead to cognitive failures and mood changes. So far, agents containing the brain messenger dopamine have been used to relieve symptoms. Deep brain stimulation with electrodes can also counteract the symptoms of failure. With these methods, Parkinson’s can be contained for a limited period of time. But they do not prevent the disease from progressing.
Dead brain cells replaced in mice
In order to deal effectively with Parkinson’s, the damaged brain tissue would have to be equipped with new, functional neurons. A group of molecular biologists from the University of California San Diego has now succeeded in doing just that: In mice with an experimentally produced Parkinson’s disease, the use of so-called astrocytes with protein block prevented the disease-typical disorders. To reprogram this other type of brain cell into dopamine-producing neurons, the research team stopped the formation of a certain protein.
Therapy was successful
The researchers have now published the surprising result in the English-language journal “Nature”: The replacement neurons could actually stimulate dopamine formation in the midbrain and established connections to other neurons. As a result, the mice stopped experiencing Parkinson’s symptoms after three months. The dopamine level had returned to normal – permanent healing from a single treatment.
Can it also be used on humans?
To date, scientists have had no success with similar projects. It is therefore possible that this new discovery will occupy a crucial place in Parkinson’s therapy. However, it remains to be seen whether the method of replacing dead neurons with new ones can also be successfully used in humans, emphasizes a member of the research group. Because the disease that was produced in the mice did not correspond 100 percent to a Parkinson’s disease. It is also still unclear whether astrocytes could be converted into neurons in older people and what side effects this would have. This approach may also benefit Alzheimer’s or Huntington’s patients if further studies have confirmed its effectiveness.
Here explains Dr. Weigl other important brain diseases:
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