Insular pathology in Parkinson's disease patients with orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients may be a significant source of morbidity and discomfort. Although peripheral ANS components have been associated with its development, central mechanisms are probably involved. The insular cortex is a central site of autonomic and limbic integration and neuropathologic studies have indicated its involvement in the neurodegenerative process of PD. To this end, we studied the neuropathology of the insular, temporal and parietal cortices in PD patients with and without OR Our results suggest an association between the severity of PD-related neuropathology in the insular cortex and OH. Further research into the subject is warranted. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.