1
Aim
To investigate the effects of dopamine on the behavioral symptoms of Parkinsons
2
Methods
An experiment with a sample of 40 participants with severe Parkinsons disease
- age 34-76
3
Procedures
- in the experimental group, nerve cells containing dopamine-producing neurons were taken from aborted embryos and transplanted into the participants brain.
- The control group underwent a sham surgery
- all participants were followed for one year and PET scans were used to estimate changes in the brain: clinical observations were also used to register changes in symptoms
4
Results
PET scans revealed significant growth of dopamine-producing cells of the participants in the experiment group
Also with the experimental group, a reduction of Parkinson's symptoms by 28% was found, but only the younger ones
5
Conclusion
Transplantation of dopamine-producing neurons in participants with severe symptoms of Parkinson's result in some clinical benefit, but only in young people
Shows the influence of dopamine on behavior
Neurotransmitters, excitatory