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Parkinson's disease discovery noted MARBURG, Germany, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- German scientists say they believe they've discovered a mechanism that may selectively silence the electrical activity of dopamine producing neurons. Birgit Liss and colleagues at Marburg University explained the slowed movements, rigidity and tremor in Parkinson's disease are caused by a reduction in the neurotransmitter dopamine, following the death of certain dopamine-producing neurons. What makes those neurons particularly vulnerable is not known, but Liss said the newly observed silencing could ultimately reduce their survival. Liss and colleagues report reduced levels of a molecule called ATP decreased the electrical activity of the vulnerable neurons more strongly than in other neurons that do not die in the disease. The research is detailed in the December issue of the journal Nature Neuroscience. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn