Dopamine has long been thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The authors show that dopamine-induced neuron death in the substantia nigra is dependent on α-synuclein and coincides with increased levels of α-synuclein oligomers. The results suggest a synergistic interaction between dopamine and α-synuclein that underlies neuronal vulnerability in disease.
- Danielle E Mor
- Elpida Tsika
- Harry Ischiropoulos
