Study Finds Possible Explanation For Manganese-Related Brain Dysfunction
September 14, 2006
In the last few decades, researchers have discovered that frequent exposure to high levels of manganese, a metal used widely in a number of industries, is linked to movement disorders similar to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, the brain damage caused by manganese exposure is different than the neuron damage that characterizes Parkinson’s.
A new study, conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Thomas Jefferson University, may have pinpointed a possible explanation for why the neurological symptoms of manganese exposure occurs.
Researchers evaluated the various neurons in the brains of animals exposed to manganese and found that when stimulated, the animals did not release dopamine—an important neurotransmitter that is essential for normal motor function.
This suggests that manganese exposure may cause a dysfunction in the dopamine system despite the fact that the neurons don’t show the signs of damage that is present with Parkinson’s.
The study, published in the online version of the journal Experimental Neurology, also found that exposure to high concentrations of manganese produces slight shortfalls in behavior and fine motor function as well as decreases the release of dopamine.
“These findings may provide an explanation for some of the differences between manganism and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, as well as why patients with manganese-induced neurological symptoms do not seem to respond to traditional Parkinson’s therapies,” said lead author of the study, Tomas R. Guilarte, PhD, a professor of environmental health sciences at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Manganism is characterized by memory and behavioral disturbances including movement abnormalities similar to those suffered by Parkinson’s patients.
Suffered from manganese exposure? Please contact us today to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and options.
If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s and may have been exposed to manganese in any form during work or for any reason, contact an experienced manganese lawyer for a free consultation.
