Cell degeneration in parkinson's disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neuro-degenerative disorder. The symptoms of this disease appear as a result of the progressive neuronal death of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are two general factors, contributing to the disease development. These processes create free radicals, leading to dopaminergic neurons' death. The mechanisms, by which oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and free radicals formation participate in the neurodegenerative process, are described in detail. These mechanisms give a satisfying explanation to the clinical problems, related to long-term Levodopa usage in the Parkinson's disease treatment. © 2004 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.