Why are nigral catecholaminergic neurons more vulnerable than other cells in Parkinson's disease?
Although the cause of neuronal death in Parkinson's disease remains unknown, a hyperoxidation phenomenon has been implicated as a potential cytotoxic mechanism. Catecholaminergic neurons containing neuromelanin, an autoxidation byproduct of catecholamines, are more vulnerable in Parkinson's disease than nonmelanized catecholaminergic neurons. High levels of CuZn superoxide dismutase mRNA have been observed in the substantia nigra, suggesting that high levels of oxygen free radicals are indeed produced in the structure. Catecholaminergic neurons surrounded by a low density of glutathione peroxidase cells are more susceptible to degeneration in Parkinson's disease than those well protected against oxidative stress. The nigral content in iron, a compound that exacerbates the production of free radicals in catecholaminergic neurons, is increased in Parkinson's disease. Altogether these data suggest that hyperoxidation may participate in the selective vulnerability of catecholaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease.