When the levels of cannabis-like chemicals in the brain of mice were augmented, conditions similar to Parkinson’s disease seemed to ameliorate in such animals. This was reported by researchers from Stanford University Medical Centre in California.
This finding could throw light in the treatment of this disease in humans. According to this study published in Nature, a combination of a drug along with cannabis-like chemicals resulted in a significant improvement in animal’s movement.The researchers concentrated on an area in the brain called striatum which is associated with Parkinson’s. The level of a chemical known as dopamine in striatum is responsible for the activity of nerves there. Parkinson’s is said to develop even if dopamine is present in smaller levels.
The scientists tried a combination of an experimental drug which reduced the break down of endocannabinoids along with an existing drug that increased the dopamine level. This led to a remarkable movement from the mice. Though this result appears to be hopeful on the possible treatment for Parkinson’s, scientists still feel that there is a long way to go.
Parkinsons’s disease is a degenerative neurological condition for which there are no therapeutic measures. Patients suffering from this disease have difficulty in moving their limbs. Advanced stages of this disease could even witness a total immobility of the patients.
Source-Medindia
JYT
