Previous studies indicate that green tea extracts may have protective effects on Parkinson’s disease in test animals, yet the underlying protective mechanisms were not clear. Today’s study demonstrates the possible mechanism by which polyphenol protects against Parkinson’s disease.
The main pathologic and biochemical characteristic of Parkinson’s disease is the selective cell death of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain called substantia nigra and marked decrease in dopamine neurotransmitter produced by these neurons. “We tested the levels of dopamine uptake density in a controlled study of mice and the protective effects on dopaminergic neurons against neurotoxin MPP+-induced injury before and after treatment with polyphenol,” says study author Tianhong Pan, M.D., Ph.D., of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “Our results indicate the mechanism, or action, of polyphenol is to inhibit the uptake of dopamine or MPP+ by blocking dopamine transporter (DAT), suggesting that its protective effect in Parkinson’s disease is its ability to block the DAT-dependent uptake of environmental neurotoxin.”
Clinical effects of polyphenol on human Parkinson’s disease patients remain to be studied. In addition to being a major component of green tea, polyphenol can also be found in a concentrated capsule form.
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 18,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research.
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EDITORS NOTE: Dr. Pan will present the research at the American Academy of Neurology's 54th Annual Meeting in Denver, Colo., during a poster presentation on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 7:30 a.m. in Exhibit Hall C of the Colorado Convention Center. He will be available to answer media questions during a briefing on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the AAN Media Room, Lobby C, Room 208 of the Colorado Convention Center.
For more information contact:
Kathy Stone, 651-695-2763, kstone@aan.com
April 13-20, 303-228-8450
Cheryl Alementi, 651-695-2737, calementi@aan.com