Scientists: century-old drug might cure Parkinson's, more Aug. 18, 2008 Courtesy Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland and World Science staff A study with mice suggests a century-old drug, methylene blue, could slow or even cure Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease in small doses, researchers say. "To find that such a common and inexpensive drug can be used to increase and prolong the quality of life by treating such serious diseases is truly exciting," said Bruce Ames, a co-author of the study at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, in California. Mitochondria are small compartments partitioned by membranes and found in complex cells. These organelles are often called the "power plants" of the cell because their main job is to make energy. Above, a a mitochondrion shown in an artist's depiction for clarity. (Image courtesy US Nat'l Science Foundation) Led by Hani Atamna at the center, researchers studied the drug's effects on laboratory-cultured cells and mice. In very low concentrations-the equivalent of a few raindrops in four Olympic-sized swimming pools-the drug slows cellular aging and enhances the function of cellular "power plants" called mitochondria, the experimenters said. Their results appeared in the March issue of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal. The group found methylene blue could prevent or slow mitochondrial decline, specifically that of an important enzyme called complex IV. Mitochondria are the main energy suppliers to animal and human cells. "The results are very encouraging," said Atamna. "One of the key aspects of Alzheimer's disease is mitochondrial dysfunction, specifically complex IV dysfunction," he went on. Methylene blue seems to expand the brain's "mitochondrial reserve," he added, "essential for preventing age-related disorders." Discovered in 1891, methylene blue is used to treat methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder. But because high concentrations of methylene blue were known to damage the brain, no one thought to experiment with low concentrations, Atamna's group said. Also, drugs such as methylene blue don't easily reach the brain. Atamna said methylene blue could become another commonplace low-cost treatment like aspirin, prescribed as a blood thinner for people with heart disorders. Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn