Dr. Jeffrey Tosk said ----
" ....Iron is not the agent responsible
" for the dark color of the substantia nigra....the pigment neuromelanin is
" responsible . Neuromelanin is a polymer of dopamine. It is related to t
" melanin that colors hair, skin and eyes. At these sites melanin is well
" known to protect these tissues against the damaging effects of light.
" NM is all be depleated in the parkinsonian nigra. T
" nigra in PD appears bleached clean and clear.
Edwin Partridge replies ----
Extensive areas of my skin are bleached white and do not tan when I am
exposed to the sun in the summer. My skin lacks melanin in those areas.
This condition is named Vitiligo. That seems to be the total extent of
the knowledge available on the condition.
When I was diagnosed as having Parkinson's disease, and I learned about
the loss of color of the substantia nigra, I inquired if this was
related to my Vitiligo. The hesitant and thoughtful answer was no.
But perhaps whatever attacks the melanin in my skin actually does attack
the neuromelanine also in my substantia nigra.
From: [log in to unmask]
* SLMR 2.1a * McLean Virginia USA Sat 12-16-95 6:48 pm
---
* KMail 3.00y
