The inherent high vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons toward mitochondrial toxins may contribute to the etiology of Parkinson＇s disease

摘要

Although the exact mechanism(s)of the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease(PD)is not well understood,mitochondrial dysfunction is proposed to play a central role.This proposal is strongly strengthened by the findings that compromised mitochondrial functions and/or exposure to mitochondrial toxins such as rotenone,paraquat,or MPTP causes degeneration of the midbrain