Inflammation and Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis

Inflammation is a neuropathological feature of parkinsonian brains and also in experimental models of the disease. It is believed that activated glial cells, which compose the majority of this inflammatory response contribute to the neurodegenerative process through the production of toxic molecules. Therapeutic strategies geared toward reducing inflammation and inhibiting the production of these glial-derived toxic molecules may be a promising neuroprotective strategy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and related conditions. (C) 2010 Movement Disorder Society