Insecticide Exposure and Parkinsonism
PI(s): Bloomquist, Jeffrey R
Investigators:
Abstract: These studies have analyzed a number of insecticides and their potential to cause behavioral and neurochemical hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. We are also evaluating new therapeutic agents for treating or preventing Parkinson's disease.
Description:
These studies are analyzing the possible parkinsonian hazard to humans following exposure to neurotoxic insecticides. We are testing the ability of insecticides to induce hallmarks of Parkinson's Disease, which is caused by the specific death of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum. Our initial studies assessed the neurochemical impact of environmentally persistent organochlorines, such as heptachlor and dieldrin. We have found that low doses heptachlor poisons the striatum in vivo, as reflected by an enhanced ability of striatal tissues to take up dopamine. In addition, heptachlor and dieldrin are potent and specific releasers of dopamine in vitro.
Recent studies, funded by the U. S. Army ("Insecticide Exposure and Parkinosnism" DAMD17-98-1-8633, $641,731 ) are evaluating the parkinsonian impact of the pyrethroid, permethrin, and the organophosphate, chlorpyrifos. Permethrin shows a low-dose (<1 mg/kg) effect on dopamine transporter and alpha-synuclein protein expression, and alpha-synuclein is a known component of the protein tangles (Lewy bodies) found in Parkinson's disease. In addition, both permethrin and chlorpyrifos perturb a number of cholinergic indices in the striatum. These studies are being performed with Dr. Brad Klein from the Dept. of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech.
Commodities:
Resources: Agricultural Experiment Station Facilities
Disciplines: Pesticides
Audiences:
