Victoria AdolphusOphthalmic Acid Emerges as Potential Therapeutic Target, Challenging Traditional Focus on Dopamine
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) have discovered a brain molecule that reverses movement deficits in Parkinson’s disease models for over 20 hours. This innovative finding opens up new avenues for treating Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.
Key Findings:
- Ophthalmic acid acts as a neurotransmitter, regulating motor function.
- Binds to and activates calcium-sensing receptors in the brain.
- Reverses movement impairments in Parkinson’s mouse models for over 20 hours.
- Surpasses L-dopa in sustaining positive effects.
The Study:
- Published in the journal Brain.
- Conducted comprehensive metabolic examinations of brain molecules.
- Identified ophthalmic acid as an alternative neurotransmitter.
Implications:
- Challenges traditional focus on dopamine as sole regulator of movement.
- Offers new therapeutic target for Parkinson’s and movement disorders.
- Potential for developing treatments with longer-lasting effects.
Expert Insights:
- “Our findings present a groundbreaking discovery…challenging the more-than-60-year-old view that dopamine is the exclusive neurotransmitter in motor function control.” – Amal Alachkar, co-corresponding author.
- “Ophthalmic acid not only enabled movement but also far surpassed L-dopa in sustaining positive effects.” – Amal Alachkar.
Next Steps:
- Developing products that release ophthalmic acid in the brain or enhance its synthesis.
- Exploring the full neurological function of ophthalmic acid.
Reference:
“Ophthalmate is a new regulator of motor functions via CaSR: implications for movement disorders” (Brain, 2024)
This breakthrough discovery offers hope for millions affected by Parkinson’s disease worldwide.
