J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694
3527 Cody Road
Sherman Oaks CA 91403
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 3 Dec 1995 03:15:18 -0800 (PST)
From: J.R. Bruman <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Milo V.Anderson" <[log in to unmask]>
Cc: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN
<[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: apoptosis
I agree with your remarks about levodopa possibly enhancing undesirable
free radical production in the brain. Somewhat more ominous, however, is
the possibility that dopamine itself can be harmful, in excess. The
current therapy which delivers dopamine to deficient areas in the
substantia nigra seems crude at best and difficult to regulate, and the
research on apoptosis seems to indicate that excess dopamine is one of
the stimuli that cause dopaminergic neurons to shut down (atrophy? or
die?). If true, this hypothesis supports the notion that levodopa therapy,
while known to be effective, should be approached cautiously and frugally.
For most of us this presents a tough choice, impossible to confirm, and
we can only hope for the day when those neurons can be restored and
preserved.
Cheers, Joe
J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694
3527 Cody Road
Sherman Oaks CA 91403
