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Review

Exp Neurobiol 2010; 19(3): 115-119

Published online December 31, 2010

https://doi.org/10.5607/en.2010.19.3.115

© The Korean Society for Brain and Neural Sciences

The Role of Axonopathy in Parkinson's Disease

Karen L. O'Malley*

Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA

Correspondence to: *To whom correspondence should be addressed.
TEL: 314-362-7087, FAX: 314-362-3446
e-mail: omalleyk@wustl.edu

Abstract

New genetic and environmental studies of Parkinson's disease have revealed early problems in synaptic function and connectivity indicating that axonal impairment may be an important hallmark in this disorder. Since many studies suggest that axonal dysfunction precedes cell body loss, it is critical to target axons with treatments aimed at preserving "connectivity" as well as to develop and verify "biomarkers" with which to assess disease progression and drug efficacy.

Keywords: axon transport, mitochondria, Wallerian degeneration, MPTP