Intense exercise increases dopamine transporter and neuromelanin concentrations in the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease.

ABSTRACT: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Exercise has been reported to slow the clinical progression of PD. We evaluated the dopaminergic system of patients with mild and early PD before and after a six-month program of intense exercise. Using ¹⁸F-FE-PE2I PET imaging, we measured dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in the striatum and substantia nigra. Using NM-MRI, we evaluated the neuromelanin content in the substantia nigra. Exercise reversed the expected decrease in DAT availability into a significant increase in both the substantia nigra and putamen. Exercise also reversed the expected decrease in neuromelanin concentration in the substantia nigra into a significant increase. These findings suggest improved functionality i

SUBMITTER: de Laat B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10858031 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature