Science / Medicine : Hormone May Be Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
A naturally occurring brain hormone possibly could prevent brain cells from being killed by Parkinson’s disease, New York researchers reported last week. Researchers at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in Tarrytown reported in the British journal Nature that the hormone, known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, appeared to slow degeneration and prevent the death of rat brain cells equivalent to those that die in humans afflicted with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s disease afflicts as many as 1 million Americans, killing cells that produce dopamine, which is important in controlling body movements. The cause of the cell death is unknown, but many researchers believe it is caused by environmental toxins.
The researchers reported that BDNF produced by genetic engineering techniques stimulated the growth of the dopamine-producing cells. It also prevented damage by chemicals that are known to produce a Parkinson-like disease in animals.
Similar results have been reported recently by USC neurologist Franz Hefti. Experts said the research may open the door to entirely new therapies for Parkinson’s.
