Neuropathology of Parkinson’s

Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is considered
predominantly a disorder of the basal
ganglia.

The basal ganglia are a group of nuclei

situated deep and centrally at the base
of the forebrain.

They have healthy connections with the

cerebral cortex and thalamus in
addition to other areas of the brain.
 Striatum

The striatum, composed of the caudate

and putamen, is the largest nuclear
complex of the basal ganglia.

The striatum receives excitatory input

from several areas of the cerebral cortex,
as well as inhibitory and excitatory input
from the dopaminergic cells of the
substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc).
 Lewy Bodies
Many surviving dopaminergic neurons show lewy bodies, which
is abnormal circular structure found within the cytoplasm.
Lewy bodies have dense protein core, surrounded by a halo of
radiating fibers

Although most cases of Parkinson's disease do not appear to

have genetic origin .
Mutation of particular gene located on chromosome 4 will
produce this disorder. This gene produces a protein known as
α-Synuclein.

α-Synuclein normally found in the presynaptic terminals and

involved in synaptic transmission in dopaminergic neurons.
 Diagnostic Tools
• Specific single-photon emission computerized
tomography SPECT scan called a dopamine
transporter (DAT) scan.
• Imaging tests — such as MRI, CT, ultrasound of the
brain, and PET scans
 Treatment
• L-DOPA also known as Levodopa .
• Deprenyl drug used in combination with L-DOPA.
• MAO B inhibitors also known as monoamine
oxidase B.
• Surgical procedures